A family of 11 have been killed in Giedam town of Yobe State, after an explosive object landed on their home in a battle between Nigerian soldiers and fighters of the Islamic State of West Africa (ISWAP) on Sunday.
The insurgents, who have reportedly seized the town after dislodging soldiers, were said to have hoisted their flag in the town, forcing thousands of residents to flee to nearby Yunusari local government area and Damaturu, the state capital.
A resident of Geidam, Abba Nura, said the 11 family members were killed when an explosive device struck their homes at Saminaka area, close to the military camp in Geidam during the encounter. He however said no one can tell authoritatively if it was the military or the insurgents that released the explosive.
Another resident, Rawana Usman, who managed to escape to a neighbouring village, said he was forced to flee from his community after the assailants went round killing Christians and health workers.
“They were going round houses targeting Christians, NGO workers and those that are educated in the western schools. When I heard of the selective killings, I couldn’t resist, I left abruptly.
“I can say that there were soldiers engaging them. They have been doing their best to push out the terrorists, but I can tell you that these boys were moving normally in the town up to the time I left”, he said.
