Boko Haram Militants Kill 8 In Yobe State, Destroy Vital Bridge

During the violence, the insurgents also blew up the Katarko Bridge, which links Damaturu to their stronghold; Buni Yadi, the capital of Gujba Local Government Area of the state which connects Yobe and neighbouring Borno and Adamawa states.

Eight people have been confirmedkilled byBoko Haram militantsinKatarko,25 kilometers south of Damaturu, theYobeState capital.

Destroyed student hostel in Yobe, March 2014Aminu Abubakar/AFP/Getty ImagesResidents say the insurgents stormed the townat about 7:30pmon Mondayand first attacked the military base in the town before wreaking havoc on some houses and killingtheeight residents in an attack that lasted over seven hours.

They came here and launched an unsuccessful attack on a military base before embarking on some selective killings within town living us with eight casualties presently being prepared for burial, a resident told Channels Television inDamaturu.

During the violence, the insurgents also blew up the KatarkoBridge, which linksDamaturuto their stronghold;BuniYadi, the capital ofGujbaLocal Government Area of the state which connectsYobeand neighbouringBornoand Adamawa states.

This is the first timeBokoHaram militants are attackingKatarkosince they commenced serious hostilitiesin 2009.

Meanwhile, twoBokoHaram suspects have been arrested inDamaturumetropolis in possession of improvised explosive devices,with the intention of causing havoc in the troubled northeast state of Nigeria.