B’Haram warns Gombe residents against voting

Boko Haram insurgents have warned residents of Gombe state against participating in the forthcoming general election.

The insurgents issued the warning on Saturday during an attack on Dadin Kowa and Hinna towns of Yamaltu/Deba local government areas of the state.

“Whoever professes Islam should distance himself from polling stations because we are going to attack polling booths,” read the leaflets.

A senior security source told TheCable that the military deployed jet fighters to repel the attack.

According to the source, the sect first laid siege on Dadin kowa at about 6am, before advancing to Gombe.

“The military had to respond with two fighter jets,” he said. “As we are in the office now, we can hear the sound of gunshots everywhere.”

Witnesses said the insurgents’ attack on the two towns forced the residents to flee to nearby bush.

Saadu Sarkin-Ruwa, the chairman of Fishermen Association in Dadin Kowa, said the insurgents launched sporadic shootings as soon as they arrived.

Another resident, who preferred to remain anonymous, said the sect members came through the road from Biu in Borno state.

He said they started shouting and saying ‘Allahu Akbar’ (Allah is great) as they advanced toward the 301 artillery regiment quarter guard of the Nigerian army.

Chris Olukolade, director of defence information, said the attack has been repelled by troops.

The government has however imposed a 24-hour curfew in the metropolis area of the state.

Abubakar Sule Bage, the secretary to the state  government, announced the imposition during a press briefing.