Boko Haram attacks immigration convoy, kills 5

dimeji akinloye

August 17, 2016 11:55 PM

Report said the traders had joined the official convoy believing that it would be safer than travelling the notorious road alone.

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The attack was said to have occurred on Monday, when a convoy of vehicles carrying Nigerian immigration officials and a group of traders were travelling from Gamboru, on the border with Cameroon, to the city of Maiduguri.

“Three (immigration) officers were hit and injured in the fire exchange. The immigration men drove off towards Maiduguri, leaving the traders behind,” an army officer told AFP on condition of anonymity.

The traders’ two trucks were looted and set alight, Gamboru resident Umar Ari told AFP by phone, also confirming the five deaths.

“Since the Maiduguri-Gamboru highway was reopened two months ago convoys of trucks carrying goods and other vehicles conveying traders have been coming to Gamboru under military escort without any incident,” said resident Ari.

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The Gamboru to Maiduguri highway is a strategic 140-kilometre (87-mile) trade route in the region, and provides an important link with neighbouring Cameroon.

The highway was closed for safety reasons at the height of the Boko Haram unrest about two years ago, but was reopened by the Nigerian authorities following a string of successes against the terrorists.

dimeji akinloye