by Stanley Azuakola

On Friday in Damaturu, Yobe State, men allegedly belonging to the Boko Haram sect burnt down the residence of the mother-in-law of the state governor, Ibrahim Gaidam. There was no loss of life as a result of the incident.

This is the second time that the house is being attacked. The first was six months ago when the occupants were robbed of their jewellery.

The Yobe State Police commissioner, Patrick Egbuniwe confirmed the incident to the media, telling reporters that the men who wielded guns stormed the house of the governor’s in-law on Gashua Road. They ordered all the occupants out of the house before setting it ablaze.

According to the commissioner:

“We got a report that the house of the mother- in-law of Governor Ibrahim Gaidam was burnt down by unknown gunmen suspected to be members of the Boko Haram sect.

“When they got  to the house, everybody was asked to come of the house before they finally set it on fire. No life was lost.”

The arson occurred less than  24 hours  after similar attacks on telecommunication masts in Damaturu, Bauchi, Maiduguri, Kano  and Potiskum.

The Joint Task Force (JTF) has arrested four persons in connection with the attacks on telecoms masts in Damaturu. The suspects were arrested along Gujba Road allegedly on their way to burning down more masts.

The JTF  appealed  for public understanding  by giving information on the activities of the sect.