Suspected members of Boko Haram militants late Wednesday night again  launched an attack on Geidam, the home town of Governor Ibrahim Gaidam of Yobe State, locals say.

Terrified residents said that sporadic gunshots were being heard in the town.

Geidam is about 180 kilometers from the State capital, Damaturu. It is also a border town between Nigeria and the Republic of Niger.

A resident said he noticed the movement of seven pick-up vans moving through the town believed to be conveying members of the terrorist group.

A resident said: “There had been ceaseless shooting. Everyone is indoor right now and no one can say exactly what is happening outside but I saw seven pick-up vans coming into the town from the direction of Niger Republic.”

Another resident said they learnt military re-enforcements were coming from Gashua and Damaturu but that could not be confirmed.

The military spokesman was not immediately available for comment.

But the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, ASP Toyin Gbadegesin, who confirmed the attack said “the militants are currently making efforts to invade the town but security forces on ground are well in control of the situation”

The PPRO said security forces are well aware of their responsibility of protecting the lives and property of the people and urged them to remain calm and go about their normal businesses.

He also called on the people “to continue to partner with security agents towards the restoration of peace in the state and the country at large.

Earlier in the day, gunmen believed to be Boko Haram had launched suicide attacks in three different locations in Damaturu, killing at least 17 and injuring 11.

Geidam town last came under attack in March this year with residents fleeing into Meine-Soroa of Niger republic and other major towns in the state before returning to their homes weeks after the restoration of peace in the area.

credit: Vanguard