There are fears that at least eight people died while another 16 were injured on Friday, after suspected Boko Haram members clashed with security agents in Gudu District of Abuja.
The clash occurred at Gudu, behind the Apo Legislative Quarters, where some senators and members of the Federal House of Representatives reside, consequently causing commotion in the Zone E part of the Legislative Quarters.
Confirming the clash, Deputy Director, Public Relations of the SSS, Marilyn Ogar said the security men were in the area to uncover a weapon cache, only for them to be attacked by unknown gunmen.
“In the early hours of 20th September, 2013, about 0030 hours, a combined security team went for an operation behind the Apo legislative quarters. The operation was sequel to information obtained from two (2) Boko Haram elements Kamal Abullahi and Mohammed Adamu, who had earlier been arrested for terrorist activities,” Ogar said.
“They led the security team to uncompleted buildings where arms were purported to have been buried underground. No sooner had the team commenced digging for the arms, than they came under heavy gunfire attack by other Boko Haram elements within the area, which prompted immediate response from the security team. As a result, some persons were injured and 12 others have been arrested in connection with the incident, and are making useful statements.
She added that normalcy had returned to the area, and urged members of the public to go about their normal businesses.
“Appropriate security measures have been emplaced to ensure the safety of citizens in the FCT,” she said. “We want to reiterate the need for all Nigerians to be vigilant of their immediate environment and promptly report suspicious activities to security agencies. Our National security must remain the collective responsibility of all Nigerians.”
However, other sources who spoke on the gun duel indicated that the death toll was higher.
“I think the exchange of shots lasted for about one and a half hours,” one said. “This morning when I visited the uncompleted duplex, I video-taped nine dead persons and I am aware that about 15 had been taken to Asokoro General Hospital for treatment.
Photos by AFP
