Panic in the Air: Video Shows Maiduguri 'Under Boko Haram Attack' as Deadly Blasts Rock Borno

 

A video purportedly showing fighting in Maiduguri, capital of Nigeria's restive Borno state, has emerged.

 

The video shows people running and screaming, while gunshots can be heard in the background. It was posted to Twitter on Wednesday (7 June) by Abubakar Mohd Kareto, a Nigerian academic and analyst with the caption: "Maiduguri is currently under Boko Haram attack."

 

It is not clear whether the video is related to the suicide bombings as well as clashes with the army that occurred in Maiduguri on Wednesday evening.

At least ten people were killed and 40 injured during multiple bombings at mosques in the town, which is Boko Haram's birthplace and epicentre of its insurgency.

 

Witnesses said at least four explosions occurred in eastern Maiduguri and the number of deaths is likely to increase.

 

The blasts took place as the army was repelling a Boko Haram attack against the Jiddari Polo community, in the south of the town, the Premium Times reported.

 

Army spokesperson Sani Usman said the troops had neutralised the Jiddari Polo attack in a "merciless operation" against the terrorists. He said residents in the area had planned to flee their homes but "were reassured with rapid response of Nigerian troops."

 

The army has not yet commented on the four suicide bombing missions and has not responded to a request for a comment submitted via Twitter.

 

The Premium Times said the Borno state police confirmed the incidents, but gave no further details.

 

Watch the video below: