OVER
2000 Nigerians have fled Borno State, following the clash between Boko
Haram insurgents and Nigerian troops in Abadam local government area of
Borno North Senatorial District.A journalist travelling in the Nigerian-Niger Republic border confirmed to SaharaReporters that between Saturday evening and Sunday over 2000 locals from villages in and around Abadam local government area have fled their homes and crossed over into Niger Republic.
The journalist, who did not want to be identified, said that the locals, hearing the strange sounds of weapons and bombs being exchanged decided to leave, citing their recent experience of the Baga killings. He also said that the arrival of hundreds of soldiers in the villages made the villages uncomfortable.
The fleeing Nigerians, the source, said are camping in Bosso, Diffa State of Niger Republic.
“They are in hundreds and running out, some on machines, cars and bicycles and others on foot running out of their homes to Niger Republic,” he told SaharaReporters. “You know they are afraid of what happened in Baga, and they have firsthand experience because Baga is very close to their villages. They have been hearing gun sounds and heavy weapons being positioned,” the source added.
He also pointed out that these locals are not being given any information as to what is going on over the military following the declaration of a state of emergency.
As SaharaReporters reported a few days ago, telecommunications distress has set in in the areas of emergency.
Amnesty
Nigeria offered an amnesty on Sunday to Islamist militants who surrender and said 17 people had been killed on the fifth day of a military operation to try to crush the Boko Haram insurgency in the country’s northeast.
“Mr president has urged Boko Haram members to surrender their arms and embrace the amnesty option which is still open as the committee is working on the option of dialogue for a peaceful resolution,” Reuben Abati the president’s spokesman said by telephone.
The Defence Headquarters on Sunday confirmed that in its continued fight against terrorists activities in the Northern part of the country has lead to the death of 14 insurgents, and recovery of seven vehicles and 13 telephone handsets.
A statement issued by Defence Headquarters Director Defence Information, Brigadier General Chris Olukolade maintained that, “In the course of special forces pursuits and operations, a number of encounters have ensured since yesterday. After a mop up of scenes of battle, 14 terrorists were confirmed dead, while seven vehicles and 13 telephone handsets were recovered. A total of 20 terrorists were apprehended as they fled.
“Altogether, three soldiers died, while seven are wounded and are being treated in military medical facility, one soldier is missing,” he said.
According to him,”the Special Forces troops have continued the advance and attack on identified terrorists’ camps in the Northern part of the country.”
“Patrols are also ongoing to secure towns and villages from infiltration, while curfews on identified flash points are being enforced,” he stated.
The statement read in part, “Dislodged terrorists have been noted to be in disarray with a large number of them heading backwards across the borders. There bases are being deserted but they are making efforts to evacuate most of the large stock of logistics including scores of vehicles in their holdings.
“Meanwhile the required reinforcement and logistics have been delivered to forces in front where the forces have been engaging a large number of heavily armed terrorists since yesterday.
“Defence Headquarters is quite satisfied with the high standard of compliance with operational order and strict observance of the rules of engagement so far.
“The forces have been directed to maintain the robustness of the patrols and enforcement of curfews where emplaced and ensure that civilians are kept out of harm’s way as much as possible,” the statement concluded.
US sets standard for military
The United States of America has reacted officially to the state of emergency declared in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states and urged Nigeria’s security forces to apply disciplined use of force in all operations, protect civilians in any security response, and respect human rights and the rule of law.
The government said it was deeply concerned about the fighting in northeastern Nigeria following President Jonathan’s declaration of a state of emergency.
A statement PRN: 2013/0594 by the Secretary of State, John Kerry said US government was also deeply concerned by credible allegations that Nigerian security forces are committing gross human rights violations, which, in turn, only escalate the violence and fuel extremism.
The United States however condemned Boko Haram’s campaign of terror in the strongest terms.
The statement read “The United States is deeply concerned about the fighting in northeastern Nigeria following President Jonathan’s declaration of a state of emergency in the Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states.
“We are also deeply concerned by credible allegations that Nigerian security forces are committing gross human rights violations, which, in turn, only escalate the violence and fuel extremism.
“The United States condemns Boko Haram’s campaign of terror in the strongest terms. We urge Nigeria’s security forces to apply disciplined use of force in all operations, protect civilians in any security response, and respect human rights and the rule of law.”
Tribune
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