Boko Haram Attacks Shani Town In Borno

Gunmen suspected to be members of the Boko Haram last night invaded Shani, the headquarters of Shani Local Government Area in southern part of Borno State. 

According to DailyTrust, the gunmen opened fire on innocent people after setting public buildings on fire. It is not yet clear how many people lost their lives but sources who spoke to DailyTrust said the assailants descended on the civilians even as thick smoke was billowing, heightening fear that private residents may have also been set ablaze.

Bawa Garba, a resident of the area who spoke with DailyTrust, described the attack as devastating. “The terrorists stormed Shani in a convoy of over 20 motorcycles. Most of them carried assault rifles and petrol bombs,” he said.

Another source, Yusuf Sabo said the attackers have destroyed the Divisional Police Headquarters in Shani.

“The police on duty fled when it was obvious that the terrorists had superior weapons. “After they hurled explosives into the station, they proceeded to the town and only God knows the mayhem they inflicted on the people,” he was also quoted as saying by DailyTrust.

There was no immediate confirmation of the attack from both the police and the army. Shani is one of the few local government areas in southern Borno that had few incidences of attacks.