Pandemonium in Maiduguri as JTF engages in shoot-out with Boko Haram men

There was pandemonium in Maiduguri, the Borno state capital around Maiduguri Monday Market, post office area and Lamisula ward following sporadic gun shots believed to be a clash between men of the Joint Task Force, Operation Restore Order and members of the Islamic sect, Boko Haram.

Sources who spoke to newsmen on (Tuesday) said trouble started at 3:00 pm when some traders at the Monday market saw some gunmen carrying guns in two tricycles and informed JTF of possible attack.

According to Isa Umar, a trader, they did not see any casualty as a result of the exchange of gun fire between the sect and JTF, but that they cannot say that there was none.

“We ran for our dear lives. It was so terrifying as people left their shops open, some hurridly close and before you know everywhere was deserted.” Isa said

confirming the incident, the spokesman of the JTF, Lt. Col. Sagir Musa in a text massage to newsmen said there was indeed pandemonium at the post office and Lamisula axis of Maiduguri metropolis.

Lt. Col. Sagir Musa said”It was true that there was abrupt concentration of troops and blockage of few routes leading to Lamisula axis in Maiduguri metropolis.”

According to Col. Sagir, this was based on credible information received by JTF that terrorists were sighted in two tricycles from Lamisula ward, moving towards post office general area.

Col. Sagir however said that, there was no shoot-out, only that people had to naturally evade the two places for safety reasons.

#headline