TheCable

One day after the Nigerian military dislodged members of the Boko Haram sect from Konduga in Borno state, the insurgents have unleashed hell on an open market in Mainok, 56 kilometers from Maiduguri, the state capital.

In what was described as a landmark victory, Nigerian troops had confiscated some ammunition, killed about 60 and arrested a top commander of the sect.

However, disguising in military uniform, the militant group stormed a crowded market in Mainok on Thursday, looting food items and killing, several people, witnesses told AFP on Saturday.

They reportedly fired a rocket-propelled grenade and sprayed the market with bullets.

“They struck around 1:30pm (1230GMT) during peak hours by first firing a rocket-propelled grenade at the market before opening fire on traders,” Salman Lawan, a trader who witnessed the carnage, said.

“They killed several people in the attack but it is difficult to give a precise figure.”

Modu Kachalla, also a trader, gave a similar account. He said the insurgents were looking for cash and food.

“They robbed traders of cash and loaded food into trucks they seized at the market before fleeing into the bush,” he said.

“The market was full…when the Boko Haram gunmen attacked which explained the high casualties. The attackers killed many people at the market, but it is difficult to give a toll because everybody fled to save their lives.”

The destruction of telecommunication facilities in the town was said to have been responsible for the delay in reporting the incident.

Though, security forces have been engaging the sect in a fierce battle, Boko Haram has continued to carry out several attacks across various communities in the north-eastern part of the country.

With about three weeks to the by-election in Adamawa, the insurgents have taken control of some towns in the state.