In a tragic incident, two policemen were killed, while three others sustained injuries when suspected Boko Haram fighters ambushed Governor Mai Mala Buni’s convoy on Saturday.
The attack as gathered by Quest Times, occurred along the Maiduguri-Kano expressway, as the convoy was returning to Damaturu from Maiduguri.
According to sources within the convoy, the insurgents opened fire from both sides of the road, catching the security team off guard. Governor Buni was present in the convoy at the time of the attack, but he was unharmed.
“We were discussing and laughing when we were attacked along Beneshiekh and Mainok, after attending the 24th convocation of the University of Maiduguri.
“Governor Buni was with us in the convoy when the incident happened, after convocation he proceeded to Abuja for an official function.
It was further learned that the military has long prohibited night travel on the Maiduguri-Damaturu road due to the heightened security risks posed by Boko Haram activities in the area.
Confirming the incident, Governor Buni’s spokesman, Mamman Mohammed, stated that the convoy was ambushed while en route to Damaturu.
He further noted that the governor’s security personnel successfully repelled the attack, but three policemen sustained injuries in the exchange of fire.
“The security operatives were able to repel the attack and that those injured were responding to treatment,” Mohammed said.
Moreover, Governor Buni’s convoy was escorted by troops from Operation Hadin Kai, who were heavily armed with MRAPs, gun trucks, and other security personnel, including police and DSS officers.
It is worth noting that Boko Haram has a history of targeting Borno Governor’s convoy, but this attack marks the first time they have targeted the convoy of Yobe governor.