Borno residents flee as soldiers exchange gunfire with Boko Haram fighters

Many residents of Molai, a community on the outskirt of Maiduguri, capital of Borno state, fled their homes on Tuesday as a result of exchange of gunfire between suspected Boko Haram fighters and soldiers.

Bala Ibrahim, a resident, told TheCable that the insurgents invaded the town using cows as shields.

He said immediately they got into the town, they sounds of bomb rented the air and they later opened fire.

Ibrahim said soldiers responded immediately and that the gun battle continued for over 30 minutes.

“As I speak to you, the military and Boko Haram terrorists are still engaging in a gun battle,” he said.

When contacted Musa Sagir, army spokesman, told TheCable that soldiers “effectively repelled” the attack.

“There was an attempt by Boko Haram terrorists to attack Molai community at the outskirt of Maiduguri and troops of Sector 1 fiercely engaged them,” he said.

“The attack was effectively repelled. Troops are in pursuit of the criminals. Further development will be communicated.”