Contrary to the claim by the Nigerian military that it is on
top of the security challenge in the commercial town of Mubi in Adamawa state,
the dreaded Boko Haram sect is consolidating its position in the the captured
town and has indeed renamed it “Madinatul Islam” meaning the city of Islam.
Aliyu Bala, one of the residents, who could not leave Mubi
at the time of the invasion of the town by the insurgents, disclosed this in a
telephone chat with journalists. He said the insurgents had taken complete
control of the town.
“They mounted check points and surveillance at strategic
locations, brandishing riffles but asking us not to panic or run away,” Mr.
Bala said.
The trapped Mr. Bala said despite assurances of safety given
to them by Boko Haram, thousands of the trapped residents have been sneaking
out preferring not to take any chances.
Sunday Wugira, a Yola-based legal practitioner who went to
Maiha town to pick up his aged parents that fled Mubi when it was captured
said, despite the assurance by the insurgents several trapped residents are
still fleeing, including soldiers.
"I was in Maiha few hours ago,” he said “The pathetic
plight of the people I saw was simply beyond imagination. We were in a
commercial bus when some fleeing soldiers said we must adjust for them to get
space in the bus to flee, which we objected to. It’s unfortunate that even
soldiers joined civilians to run away.”
Meanwhile, Boko Haram have urged displaced residents of
captured communities of Adamawa state to return home, assuring them of safety
in the “Islamic Caliphate.”
Four local governments: Michika, Madagali, Mubi North and
Mubi South of Adamawa State, have fallen under the grip of Boko Haram leading
to the displacement of thousands.
A resident of Uba town, Salisu Baba, said normal activities
have picked up in the captured territories as Boko Haram enjoined residents to
go about their normal activities and open their shops for business.
The resident added that the insurgents have warned
politicians not to try to hold any election in the state, vowing to frustrate
such actions.
The terrorists also vowed to capture the entire state soon.
“The insurgents have assured people of freedom and have been
telling shop owners to open their shops threatening that anyone who fails to
open their shop will have it broken into,” Mr. Baba said.
“Whenever the insurgents want any commodity, they pay for
it. This encouraged meat sellers, tea sellers and others to open for business,”
another resident disclosed.
“They provided security during the market day of Uba town
last Thursday while promising to continue to give marketers and residents who
come to the area utmost security as long as they comply with Islamic rules.”
“They have opened one of the filling stations belonging to
A.A Garba in Uba town as motorists’ troops to buy the commodity due to high
demand,” Mr. Baba said.
[PREMIUM TIMES]
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