Suspected Boko Haram insurgents have kidnapped passengers along the Maiduguri/Kano highway. Eyewitnesses reported to the Thepaan News that the attack occurred between Garin Kuturu and Mannanari village near Auno, along the Damaturu highway, around 5:50 PM on Monday. The insurgents reportedly blocked the road and forcibly took away some passengers.
This incident stranded hundreds of travelers and commuters on both sides of the typically busy highway, forcing many to retreat to Benishek and Auno.
“There was an incident between Mannanari and Garin Kuturu where some Boko Haram fighters emerged and blocked oncoming vehicles, resulting in the abduction of several passengers,” a witness stated. “The exact number of those kidnapped is still unknown, but the abduction occurred on Monday evening.”
Residents described how many commercial drivers sought refuge in their community during the insurgents’ activity between Garin Kuturu and Mannanari villages. “The insurgents appeared with three wheelbarrows, likely searching for food supplies. The exact number of people abducted is unknown, but some commercial drivers initially returned to Maiduguri before military reinforcements arrived.”
A passenger, who wished to remain anonymous, recounted the ordeal of being stranded for hours. “We were traveling from Maiduguri to Kano when our driver received a warning about the attack and took a detour,” he told the Thepaan News. “We’ve been waiting for the military to clear the road, but we have no idea when that will happen. We are stuck here.”
Victoria Ibiama
