Boko Haram: 7 police officers killed, 3 Churches burnt•As security intensifies patrol in Borno, Yobe

CALM is gradually returning to both Borno and Yobe States after a series of bomb explosions and heavy gun fight between security operatives and members of the Islamic militant Boko Haram which claimed many lives since Thursday.

In Maiduguri, there was the presence of security operatives along all roads leading to the state capital as well as aerial patrol by military helicopters.

Speaking to sources on phone, Sunday Tribune learnt that, the militants had attacked a resident in Dala Bullumkuttu where they slaughtered occupants of the house. Also there was report of a final year student of the University of Maiduguri, who was hit by stray bullets along with his father.

Speaking with the Police Public Relations Officer in Damaturu, the Yobe State capital, Abdulkadir Song said that “the situation in Damaturu is also gradually returning to normal,” he, however, said that the police could not ascertain the number of death either on the side of the sect or the civilians, but that the police lost seven (7) of its officers in the crisis.

According to him, “Now that the situation is returning to normal, we are preparing to go out to see the extent of damage and losses that went with this rather unfortunate attack by the Boko Haram, but what we have at hand now is the number of policemen that were killed; and they numbered up to seven.”

Also speaking, the chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Yobe State branch, Rev. Garba  said on phone that, to his knowledge three churches were affected in the crisis.