Suspected Religious Fanatics Invade Communities, Force Residents Into Exile

Vanguard (Lagos)
NEWS
December 30, 2003
Posted to the web December 30, 2003

By Bala Ajiya
DAMATURU
SUSPECTED Muslim fanatics have invaded Kanamma and Geiddan local government
areas of Yobe state, sending residents on forced exile.
The suspects had destroyed the Kanamma police station, killing a policeman and
carting away arms and ammunition. They kidnapped three other policemen who they
have since released. On Sunday they moved to Geidam where they sacked the
police station. During the last eid-el fitri prayers, the fanatics distributed
leaflets in which they accused the government of fraudulent activities and non-
adherence to the Sharia.
Gov. Bukar Ibrahim of Yobe had earlier told newsmen that the group had
destroyed the Kananma police station and carted away a number of arms and
ammunition. He said the group had also taken over a primary school they
referred to as Afghanistan. Ibrahim said the group migrated from Borno and set
up a camp in Yusufari Local Government Area, with a view to living a holy life
in line with its disagreement with authorities. Some security personnel, said
the group had hoisted its own flag at locations called Afghanistan, while
police stations had been their targets.
Some traders said they had abandoned the Geidam area out of fear of the
religious group that had kept changing locations. Meanwhile, Ibrahim said
efforts to disband the group diplomatically would be pursued and failure to
achieve results would result in drafting soldiers to the area to disband it.
The group has so far not attacked civilians but are said to be recruiting new
members.

   

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