SCORES FEARED DEAD AS BOKO HARAM ATTACKS MAIDUGURI AIRFORCE BASE

Scores were feared dead, yesterday, when members of the Islamist sect, Boko Haram, attacked 79 Composite Group Air Force Base, Maiduguri International Airport and some Army locations in Borno State.

There were conflicting reports as to the casualty figures. While eyewitnesses said they saw five military vehicles conveying the bodies of dead security personnel to the hospital, the military reported that two of its officers were injured, while 24 terrorists were killed.

Meanwhile, a 24-hour curfew has been imposed in Maiduguri.

President Goodluck Jonathan, in reaction, summoned an emergency security meeting of the Service Chiefs.

The meeting was attended by the National Security Adviser, Col Sambo Dasuki (rtd); Chief of Defence Staff, Admiral Ola Sa’ad Ibrahim; Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen. Azubike Ihejirika and Chief of Air Staff, Air Vice Marshal Alex Badeh.


There was no statement at the end of the meeting held in the office of the President at the Presidential Villa, but the Chief of Defense Staff who initially refused to talk to newsmen, later said that the situation was being managed. He then entered his car and drove off.