Islamic militants invade Yobe Palace, kill policeman, two others

By Sola Mark, Lagos

The Islamic militants under the auspices of Boko Haram have carried out a series of attacks in Damaturu Local Government Area of Yobe State, leading to the tragic loss of lives and destruction of property.

Congress learnt that the attacks were carried out at midnight on Saturday, with gunshots echoing through the village located 17km away from Damaturu, the state capital.

Source said a mobile policeman and two civilians were killed, while the district head’s of the palace in Kukareta, situated on the Damaturu-Maiduguri Road, was set ablaze by the assailants.

Community source report that the attackers, believed to be Boko Haram insurgents, descended upon homes, looting food items and burning houses.

“We lost three people, including a police mobile officer who died of a gunshot wound during the attack,” recounted a witness.

Major General Dahiru Abdulsalam (rtd), the state security adviser, in a press statement confirmed that suspected Boko Haram terrorists carried out the assault, burnt down the district head of Kukareta’s palace and two patrol vehicles belonging to security personnel.

The incident also targeted an election collation center at Kukareta, resulting in the loss of one police officer and two civilians.

Abdulsalam urged the people of the area to continue supporting the security agencies in their efforts to maintain peace and security in the area