by James Sambo

Contrary to the Nigerian military’s claims that it has recaptured the town of Bama, Borno, from the insurgents of Islamic terrorist sect, Boko Haram, the indigenes of the town say the militants are still occupying their land.

A press release dated Wednesday, 10 September, written by ‘Concerned Bama Indigenes Forum’, bemoaned the insensitivity of the Federal government to their plight, while also condemning the response of the government in the terror attacks that saw Bama capitulate to the terrorists.

The statement further alleged that the Nigerian army, rather than defend the indigenes, “speedily run away for safety of their own life”. It added that the claims by the government and army, saying it has dislodged the insurgents from their land are nothing but ‘cheap lies’.

According to the forum, “the Boko Haram sect remain solidly on ground in Bama.”

Furthermore, the forum requested for a joint investigative visit by journalists and officials of the federal government to ascertain the true nature of the situation on ground.

Boko Haram had captured Bama on 1 September after a firefight with Nigerian troops, only for military sources to reveal on Monday, 8 September, that it had won back the town, using aerial bombardments by the Nigerian Air Force (NAF)’s fighter jets.

Read the statement below: