Suspected Boko Haram insurgents, Friday, December 18, allegedly kidnapped 35 commuters along Damaturu-Maiduguri Road.
The Cable reported that the insurgents appeared in military uniforms, mounted a roadblock on the highway with five Hilux vans before attacking a large convoy of commuters near Garin Kuturu in Jakana at about 5 p.m. and taking them away.
A military source told the publication “The passengers first sighted a burning fire, but they thought it was bush burning, not knowing that they had already ambushed a Dangote’s truck driver and set it ablaze.
“But while they were approaching the scene, they sighted the insurgents storming towards them on trucks mounted with heavy weapons, before they could turn their vehicles to run, the insurgents had already caught up with them.
“Many of the passengers fled to the bush, 35 were abducted, two private vehicles and one truck were set ablaze. Nine vehicles of the abducted passengers were also abandoned at the scene while their properties were looted.”
A senior police officer from the crack team in Maiduguri who preferred anonymity said 10 passengers were rescued while those who sustained injuries were taken to Maiduguri Specialist Hospital for treatment.
