Islamic sect, suspected to be Boko Haram members yesterday stormed Damaturu, the Yobe state capital and launched a coordinated attacks on different military checkpoints within the metropolis, burning at least four police buildings, killing quiet a number of people.

Eye witnesses said the attackers first launched attack around the NNPC Mega station, a suburb of Damaturu which have been a GSM Call centre for Maiduguri residents who on daily basis travel from Maiduguri due to lack of telecommunication network to make calls.

According to a police officer, “They invaded the city in large numbers in vehicles and on foot from different directions,” the officer said.

They then opened fire “on police facilities with guns and explosives and engaged soldiers and policemen in a fierce gunfire exchange that continued deep into the night,” he added.

The officer said the insurgents touched the area police command and at least three other police facilities.

“There are indeed casualties, including a number of the insurgents, but it is difficult to say how many they are”, he said.

A resident also said the attacks which started around 5:00 pm continued late into the night, forcing residents to stay indoors.

“We didn’t sleep last night due to fright and the deafening gun sounds and explosions coming from all over the city,” he said.

“Everybody is still indoors because of a radio announcement of a 24-hour curfew by the military,” he added.

According to a report, figures released earlier this year said the conflict had cost more than 3,600 lives, including killings by the security forces. The current toll is certainly much higher.