By Aiyeku Timothy
Dreaded armed members of Boko Haram sect have launched a surprise attack on Dikwa Local Government Area of Borno State, where they engaged military troops in a gun battle on Friday.
This attack is coming barely 24 hours after the newly appointed Chief of Army Staff, Major General Ibrahim Attahiru, officially took over from his predecessor, Lt Gen Tukur Buratai (retd).
It is also the first attack since the new service chiefs resumes their office as the mantle was handed over to them earlier on Friday.
The insurgents were reported to have stormed DIkwa town in large gun trucks and motorcycles, as hundreds of residents have fled to the bush for safety.
Dikwa is in Borno Central, where its Shehu, His Royal Highness Dr. Abba Tor Masta II, died last week after a protracted illness.
The late Shehu’s palace was been taken over and declared as home base to one of the Top Boko Haram Commander and his lieutenants some years back before troops recovered it after a fierce battle.
Sources and fleeing residents said the town was under a series of sporadic gunshots and explosions as they ran for their dear lives.
Dikwa is about 60km drive from Maiduguri, the state capital and a stone’s throw away from the Mafa Local Government Area where Governor Babagana Zulum comes from.
The number of casualties is yet to be ascertained as there is no official statement from relevant authorities as at press time.
