The Islamic insurgent group, Boko Haram has claimed two towns, Hong and Gombi, about 100 kilometres from the state capital, Yola, in Adamawa State. On Thursday 13th November, the group invaded the two towns after they had lost their grip over Mubi, a commercial town in the state.
The Islamic insurgent group, Boko Haram has claimed two towns, Hong and Gombi, about 100 kilometres from the state capital, Yola, in Adamawa State. On Thursday 13th November, the group invaded the two towns after they had lost their grip over Mubi, a commercial town in the state.
A resident of Gombi, Haruna Awwalu told reporters that “They have burnt down the police station, the local government secretariat and the market after overpowering the police." Another local, Rabi Tanimu, said people were hiding indoors while many others fled into the bush. The police station in Hong was also said to have been burnt down by the terrorists, with the Boko Haram flag reported to have been hoisted outside the home of a retired military general.
It is believed that the insurgent group are actually after the state capital in which thousands of residents have taken refuge to escape from the violence. The group's battle for the state started a some weeks ago when they invaded and captured Mubi, a town in Adamawa, renaming it 'CIty of Islam'.
Moving closer and closer to cities with their raids, Boko Haram is thought to have captured more than two dozen towns in Yobe, Borno and Adamawa states in recent months, as part of its quest to establish a strong caliphate in the region.