Suspected Boko Haram ambushed the security escorts of Yobe State Governor, Mai Mala Buni on Saturday, killing one police officer and injuring six others.
According to reports, the attack took place on the Jakana-Mainok expressway in Borno State.
The governor was escorted by the security team to the University of Maiduguri’s 24th Convocation ceremony, where Vice-President Kashim Shettima was awarded an honorary doctorate degree.
While the team returned to Yobe, Buni was said to have remained in Maiduguri ahead of another official engagement in Abuja.
The spokesman of the governor, Mamman Mohammed, while confirming the attack said the security men ran into the ambush.
“They fired some shots but the security escorting the governor’s official vehicles back to Damaturu exchanged fire with them, however, three policemen sustained injury”, he said.
He added that the security operatives were able to repel the attack and that those injured were responding to treatment.
However, a security source from the convoy disclosed that the “troops leading the convoy with MRAP, a Gun Truck and another vehicle conveying the Police and DSS were targeted.
“Consequently, the troops responded with heavy fire, forcing the terrorists to retreat. Unfortunately, one Police Officer paid the supreme price, even as two soldiers including a driver, three policemen and a DSS were wounded.
“The security operatives returned safely to Damaturu, the Yobe State capital, while the wounded personnel and the driver were evacuated to an undisclosed hospital for treatment, but some of the wounded are in critical condition”, the source said.
The casualty figure from the terrorists’ side was not confirmed as at press time.
Crediblenews.ng
