Tension As Boko Haram Fighters Storm Highway With Dangerous Weapons, Kidnap Many Passengers (PHOTOS)

Suspected Boko Haram fighters have kidnapped passengers along the Maiduguri/Kano highway.

According to sources, the insurgents wielding weapons attacked between Garin Kuturu and Mannanari village near Auno on the Damaturu highway at approximately 5:50 pm on Monday.

The insurgents reportedly blocked the highway and forcibly took away some passengers.

The incident left hundreds of travelers and commuters stranded on both sides of the busy road, forcing them to return to Benishek and Auno.

“There was an incident between Mannanari and Garin Kuturu where some Boko Haram fighters came out to block oncoming vehicles and abducted some passengers,” a source said. “We are not sure of the number as we speak, but there was certainly an abduction on Monday evening.”

Residents described how many commercial drivers temporarily sought refuge in their community while the insurgents operated between Garin Kuturu and Mannanari villages.

“They came out with three wheelbarrows, and I believe they were looking for foodstuffs. We don’t know how many people were abducted, but some commercial drivers came back and later returned to Maiduguri before military reinforcements arrived,” a resident said.

A passenger, who wished to remain anonymous, said he and others were stranded for hours. “We were heading for Kano from Maiduguri when the driver got wind of the attack and took a detour,” he said. “We have been waiting for the military to clear the road, but we don’t know when. We are stranded here.”

See photos below: