On Saturday, suspected Boko Haram insurgents ambushed the security escorts of Yobe state Governor Mai Mala Buni, killing one police officer and injured six others.
The attack took place on the Jakana-Mainok freeway in Borno State.
The governor was reportedly escorted by the security team to Maiduguri for the 24th Convocation event of the University of Maiduguri, where Vice-President Kashim Shettima was awarded an honorary doctorate degree.
While the team returned to Yobe, Buni was alleged to have remained in Maiduguri ahead of another formal engagement in Abuja.
Mamman Mohammed, the governor’s spokesman, confirmed the incident, saying the security guys ran into the trap.
“They fired some shots but the security escorting the governor’s official vehicles back to Damaturu exchanged fire with them, but three policemen sustained injury,” he said.
He said the security operatives were able to repel the attack and that those injured were responding to treatment.
However, a security source from the convoy told our correspondent that the “troops leading the convoy with MRAP, a Gun Truck and another vehicle conveying the Police and DSS were targeted.
“Consequently, the troops responded with heavy fire, forcing the terrorists to retreat. Unfortunately, one Police Officer paid the supreme price, even as two soldiers including a driver, three policemen and a DSS were wounded.
“The security operatives returned safely to Damaturu, the Yobe state capital, while the wounded personnel and the driver were evacuated to an undisclosed hospital for treatment, but some of the wounded are in critical condition,” the source said.
The casualty figure from the terrorists’ side was not confirmed as at press time.
More details to follow….