Suspected Boko Haram terrorists attacked the convoy of Kashim Shettima, the Governor of Borno state, leaving four people dead and unknown numbers kidnapped.
According to sources on Wednesday, the governor’s convoy was attacked by Boko Haram terrorists near the town of Dikwa at 6:30 pm on Tuesday.
However, Shettima, the governor who is seeking for a seat at the senate after ending of his tenure was ambushed by the terrorists as he was with the governorship candidate for the All Progressives Congress party (APC), Babagana Umaru.
Luckily, they both escaped the attack unhurt and were able to continue to Gamboru, where they spent the night before returning to the state capital, Maiduguri, on Wednesday.
A member of Civilian Joint Task Force told AFP that the attack targeted the tail end of the convoy after Shettima had passed.
“There was heavy fighting between the attackers and the soldiers and CJTF,” he told AFP on condition of anonymity for security reasons.
“Many vehicles managed to turn back, however, two soldiers were killed and two other civilians. An unknown number of party supporters were kidnapped along with their vehicle.
“The bus they were travelling in got stuck in the sand while the driver was trying to manoeuvre and turn back towards Dikwa.
“All the people in the bus were rounded up and taken into the bush. Another truck belonging to CJTF, which also got stuck, was taken away but the occupants were able to flee.”
Ngari Kalla, an APC supporter, narrated the incident as he was part of the convoy during the attack.
“We still don’t know the fate of several of our supporters who were abducted during the fight,” he added.
“Their vehicle was stuck and before they could get out the gunmen surrounded them and took them away. This is a major concern to us.”
