Reports from local residents along the Damaturu-Borno State highway indicate that the Boko Haram insurgents have allegedly issued an ultimatum to the residents of Jakana and Mainok towns in Borno state, to vacate the locality or get killed.
Inhabitants of the affected region confided that the insurgents gave them today (Wednesday, 9th January 2019) as the deadline to vacate the town or risk being attacked.
Also, after the attack at Auno village few kilometers away from the threatened villages, Boko Haram sent a message to vacate the town, latest by Wednesday (Today) or if they came, no life will be spared. However, a reliable source revealed that the military, in conjunction with Special Forces are currently conducting a house-to-house search as apprehension mounts in the duo towns of Jakana and Mainok in Kaga Local Government Area (LGA) of Borno State.
Additionally, the said operation, which started in the early hours of Wednesday, was still ongoing as at 12noon at the two towns along Maiduguri/ Damaturu highway.
Hundreds of motorists plying the highway were halted at Njimtilo military checkpoint as the highway was shut down by the military who alleged to have been working based on information they got. And that it is in the interest of the general public, as soon as the operation is over, the restriction of vehicles will be lifted.
Stranded drivers and passengers at motor parks in the affected areas complained they have no clue as to why the roads had remained closed ever since the usual 6:00 am curfew had been lifted.
When Daily trust contacted the leadership of road transport workers in Yobe State, an official who doesn’t want to be mentioned, confirmed that none of their drivers had plied the affected roads today.
Meanwhile, in a statement on Wednesday afternoon, the Army confirmed the development, describing it as clearance and snap checks operations in the general area to clear suspected Boko Haram terrorists along that road.