by Panshak Ibrahim
Following their defeat by local vigilantes and subsequent ouster from Mahia and Mubi towns, the insurgents of Boko Haram have reportedly captured two other towns, Hong and Gombi, in Adamawa.
On Thursday, 13 November, Boko Haram terrorists invaded and raided Hong and Gombi, towns which are 100 kilometres from the state capital, in Yola.
Thousands of residents have been taking refuge in the city from the violence.
In Gombi, a resident, Haruna Awwalu said Boko Haram were patrolling the streets, firing heavy weaponry, while another local, Rabi Tanimu, said people were hiding indoors, while many had escaped into the bush.
Awwalu said, “They have burnt down the police station, the local government secretariat and the market after overpowering the police”.
While in Hong, which is 20 kilometres from Gombi, the police station was razed and the militants raised their black flag outside the home of a retired military general.
Local vigilantes had reportedly reclaimed the town of Maiha on Wednesday and Mubi on Thursday, after engaging the insurgents in a firefight.
With the invasion of Hong and Gombi, Boko Haram is moving dangerously closer to Yola.
God help us