Governor Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State narrowly avoided an attack by suspected Boko Haram fighters on Saturday evening. The ambush occurred along the Jakana-Mainok expressway in Borno State, as the governor’s security convoy returned from Maiduguri after attending the University of Maiduguri’s 24th Convocation ceremony. During the ambush, one policeman was killed, and six others sustained injuries.
Contrary to the terrorists’ belief that the governor was still in the convoy, he had stayed in Maiduguri for another trip to Abuja. The security team successfully repelled the attack, exchanging fire with the assailants.
Governor Buni’s spokesman, Mamman Mohammed, confirmed the incident, stating that three policemen were injured, but the security forces managed to repel the attackers. The injured personnel are reportedly responding to treatment.
A security source revealed that the terrorists aimed not only for the governor but also targeted military and police vehicles containing sophisticated weapons and ammunition. The security forces responded with heavy fire, causing the terrorists to retreat. Unfortunately, one police officer lost his life, and two soldiers, a driver, three policemen, and a DSS personnel sustained injuries.
Although the casualty figure among the terrorists remains unconfirmed, it is believed to be substantial. Following the attack, the security operatives safely returned to Damaturu, the Yobe State capital, while the wounded were taken to an undisclosed hospital for treatment. Some of the injured are reportedly in critical condition.
