By Abdullahi Isah,, Maiduguri
Eleven persons are believed to have been killed, including four soldiers, while several houses and shops were burnt when Boko Haram insurgents attacked and chased Military personnel away from their base at Molai Community, on the outskirts of Maiduguri on Tuesday night.
The attack, which started at about 6:30 pm when Muslim faithful were breaking their Ramadan fast, lasted for hours and has forced many residents at the outskirts of Lawanti Kura, NNPC Depot and Molai to scamper for safety, with many running into the main Maiduguri town for safety.
Molai is situated along the recently closed down Maiduguri-Damboa- Chibok- Biu Road and is about 10 km drive to Maiduguri city. Just last week, three suicide bombers wrecked havoc at a missionary hospital in Molai Village, leaving scores injured, while the suicide bombers died on the spot.
It would also be recalled that this is the third time the insurgents are attacking that axis in the last two years. They attacked the area in 2017 and 2018 at exactly the time when Muslim faithful were breaking their Ramadan fast.
A resident of the area, Adamu Isa, who lost his brother in the attack, said, “I was surprised to see soldiers running into the town away from the terrorists’ attacks. I have been hearing that when Boko Haram attacks military formations, the soldiers abandon their duty posts and flee, until this attack in Molai when I saw with my eyes soldiers taking to their heels with their AK47 rifles hanging at their backs.
Our Correspondent who visited the scene on Wednesday morning reports that the entire Molai Market square was set ablaze including shops, grinding machines and other property, while six people and an unspecified number of animals/livestock were roasted in the fire set by the insurgents.
The terrorists stormed in military style convoys and attacked Molai at about 6:30 pm, killing 11 persons and injuring dozen others.
A member of the Civilian Joint Task Force, JTF, domiciled in Molai, Mohammed Abdul, said the “Terrorists stormed in a military style convoy with explosives being thrown into residential houses.
“We lost 11 persons in the attack, four civilians in Molai and 7 others at check points including four soldiers.
“We don’t know how many people are currently in hospital but many were wounded. We are still looking for members of our families. Since last night, many are yet to reunite with their families.” Abdul added.
Some gallant troops are said to have confronted the insurgents, leading to their hasty retreat.