About five soldiers and several other civilians were feared killed in a roadside blast in Marrabar Mubi, about 18 kilometers from Mubi town, recently recaptured by Nigerian Troops and local aides, local sources said.
Sources from the area indicated that the incident occurred around 7:00 pm, when the team of Nigerian Troops and Local Hunters were conducting their routine patrol of the areas.
Five local hunters in the convoy, who reportedly sustained injuries during the incident, were taken to Adamawa Specialist Hospital, where they were treated and discharged.
Military sources, who confirmed the incident said only five soldiers died, while dozens others sustained various degrees of injuries.
A resident of Mubi. who preferred anonymity said he heard a
‘loud bang’ as the military convoy was passing on routine surveillance, sparking apprehension as residents thought Boko Haram insurgents had launched another attack on the town.
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The loud bang we heard sparked apprehension and many thought Boko Haram have re-launched another offensive against the Nigerian Troops and local hunters who are now in control of the town.
“Many people, hurriedly, run to their homes while others ran into nearby bushes for fear of being hit by bullets or trapped by the insurgents,” said a resident who simple identified himself as Bello.
Spurred by this development, security operatives have modified the existing curfew in the recaptured towns of Hong, Gombi and Mubi to restore order and sanity.
Meanwhile, Adamawa state government has reviewed the curfew which was between 11pm – 5:00am to 9:00pm -5:00am, but security sources said the modified curfew would begin from 6:00pm to 6:00am.
