No fewer than two thousand people have been displaced and scores killed in recent days, as Boko Haram insurgents reportedly invaded and took over Gaidam, Yobe State.
It was learnt that the insurgents, who allegedly belong to the Islamic State in West Africa Province (ISWAP), a faction of Boko Haram, have occupied the town since Friday.
According to reports, upon entry into the town on Friday, the insurgents asked residents to join the sect. They shared pamphlets containing their rules and ideology.
The development caused residents to flee to Yunusari LGA and Damaturu, the State capital, for safety.
According to the report, the insurgents, who engaged the military in a gun duel for more than 24 hours were said to have invaded Gaidam with more than 20 gun trucks.
The insurgents reportedly retreated after initial airstrikes by the Nigerian Air Force, but returned to destroy and occupy the town. Apart from looting shops, the insurgents cut off the communication network in the town. An unspecified number of people were reportedly killed.
The chairman of the LGA, Ali Kolo Gaidam, was quoted as saying he has not been able to gain entry into the town in the past two days. According to him, two people including a teacher were killed on Sunday morning.
A witness, Rawana Usman, said the insurgents were targeting Christians and killing anyone who is educated, although this could not be verified.
I can say that there were soldiers engaging them. They have been doing their best to push out the terrorists, but I can tell you that these boys were moving normally in the town up to the time I left, Usman was quoted as saying.
