Boko Haram Ambush UN Team,Soldiers,Other Wounded

 

United Nations envoy escorted by heavily armed soldiers came under Boko Haram attacks, Thursday  on their way to an IDP camp in Bama.
The officials with other donor agencies were on an intervention mission to deliver  food and items to the IDPs.
 According to a source :

 “Boko Haram fighters numbering over 50, armed with anti aircraft gun (machine gun mounted on open truck), suddenly emerged just after Kawuri village and rained bullets on the UN motorcade,” 

“One of the officials confided in me that the soldiers saved the day. They fought with everything they had until Boko Haram retreated into the bush. This would have been a great embarrassment to Nigeria.

“Four of the soldiers and and driver of one of the UN vehicle was hit. The person beside the driver took control of the vehicle. If not, it would have been disastrous for the occupants.

“Some officials sustained minor injuries, no lives lost. All survivors are presently at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital”.

Army Spokesman Col Sani Usman also in a statement released said 

“Troops returning from Bama on humanitarian escort duty, were ambushed enroute Maiduguri by suspected remnants of Boko Haram terrorists hiding in Meleri village, a few kilometres from Kawuri

“The gallant troops, however, successfully cleared the ambush and exploited up to Afunori.

“Unfortunately, 2 soldiers and 3 civilians were wounded in the ambush, among whom were staff of United Nations agencies and other international humanitarian organizations.

“The wounded have been evacuated to University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, Maiduguri and they are in stable condition.

“The Nigerian Army wishes to sympathize with our wounded colleagues, the United Nations and other Non-governmental organizations whose personnel were also injured in this sad incident.

“We wish to reiterate our determination and commitment to ensuring safety and security in the North East and safeguarding the lives of all persons.”