‘Boko Haram’ gunmen attack Bauchi prison

Gunmen suspected to be members of the radical Boko Haram sect launched a massive attack last night against the Bauchi prison, in what appeared to be a failed effort to break free their comrades being held there, witnesses and officials said. There was no official confirmation of the number of casualties last night, but residents said some people might have been killed in a shootout with security men.

Residents of the area said they heard gunfire at about 6.45 pm, shortly after the Muslim faithful broke their Ramadan fast, leading to a pandemonium around the Emir’s Palace, Bakaro, Karofin Madaki, Kobi and Railways areas.

Witness Babangida Ilelah, who said prayers in the adjoining Bauchi central mosque, said the gunfire started echoing from the prison gate soon after the sunset prayers.

He said prominent people, including traditional rulers and members of the Bauchi emirate council as well as top government officials, were trapped inside the mosque for some time.

Some prison warders who spoke to Daily Trust on condition of anonymity said they run for their lives when the gunmen began firing at the prison, but added that the attackers did not enter the prison yard.

State police commissioner Danlami Yar’adua confirmed the shootings but said the situation was contained.

“Yes, there was an attempt by suspected persons to break into the Bauchi prisons and they were said to be armed. We have mobilised our riot policemen to the prison to ensure that the situation did not get out of hands,” he told Daily Trust by telephone last night.

“For now I cannot tell you whether there are casualties or not, but as soon as we have the details, you will be duly informed. But let me assure you that the situation is under control as our men are battle-ready to check the crisis.”

Spokesman for Governor Isa Yuguda, Sanusi Mohammad, and a political aide to the governor Abdulmumini Kundak said government advised residents to remain calm as the situation was contained.

As at the time of this report last night, residents of Bauchi deserted the streets while armed security men have taken over the patrol of the town.

Red Cross official Adamu Abubakar told the Associated Press news agency that heavy gunfire could be heard throughout the city as the attack lasted.

Boko Haram sect members rioted and attacked police stations and private homes in July 2009, triggering a violent police crackdown. Many of those arrested in the wake of the attacks last year are being held in the Bauchi prison pending trial.

In recent months, rumors about the group rearming have spread throughout the North. Also, police and residents believe motorcycle-riding members of the sect killed policemen in Maiduguri, centre of last year’s violence.