Following the renewed killings by members of the Boko Haram insurgents in Borno and Yobe states, the Joint Task Force on Operation Restore Order in Borno state has declared an immediate ban on the use of Thuraya phones in the emergency states of Borno, Yobe and Adamawa, warning that anyone seen with Thuraya phone would be considered enemy of the state and sponsor of Boko Haram terrorists. The declaration by the JTF came on Wednesday, barely 24 hours when Suspected Boko Haram insurgents carried out multiple attacks in four separate areas of Borno state, killing at least 22 persons, including 10 fish sellers, 3 tea vendors and 9 students writing the ongoing National Examination Council, NECO.
DailyPost reports that the latest wave of violence plunging the state may have dealt a blow on the peaceful atmosphere enjoyed by the residents since the declaration of the emergency rule by President Goodluck Jonathan over a month ago.
“The first incident occurred when 10 men, armed with assault rifles, who were reportedly on a revenge mission, raided the Alau dam in the outskirts of Maiduguri, the capital city and fired sporadic shots at the direction of some youth who came from Maiduguri to buy fresh fish and tea vendors, killing 13 persons on the spot, leaving several others wounded.
“Over 13 persons were also killed in Hausari Ward by the suspected insurgents for engaging in the capture of the fleeing gunmen, just two weeks ago.Those killed comprised of some youth living in Gwange, Bulumkutu and Hausari Wards, where the massive manhunt for the insurgents emanated.” An informed source confirmed this to DailyPost in Maiduguri.
According to him, the gunmen have reportedly drove in three Volkswagen Golf cars and trailed their victims to the area, disguising as customers, before firing at them, causing serious pandemonium with everyone scampering for safety. “When the gunmen stormed the area, they blocked all entry and exit routes, firing sporadic shots into the air and told the victims that they were the ones exposing their colleagues to security agencies, and that their days were over, as they were going to kill all of them “, He said.
Also, a resident of Gwange and a neighbour to one of the slain victims, Mallam Mohammed Musa confirmed the incident to newsmen saying “Yes one of my neighbours popularly called Garus Maikifi was among the 13 people killed by suspected Boko Haram members”.
Spokesman for the Joint Military Task Force, JTF, Lt-Col. Sagir Musa in a statement made available to DailyPost in Maiduguri said the attention of the JTF has been drawn to the use of Thuraya phones by Boko Haram terrorists to coordinate their recent assassination of civilians especially school children and some Imams. Lt Col. Sagir Musa said, “Therefore, effective from 19th June, 2013, the JTF has imposed a ban on the use and sale of Thuraya phones and accessories, including Thuraya recharge cards in Borno state. Anyone seen with Thuraya phones, recharge cards and accessories will be arrested.”
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