The headquarters town of Kala Balge LGA of Borno state, Rann has been attacked by suspected fighters of the Islamic State in West African Province (ISWAP).
WITHIN NIGERIA learnt that the insurgents invaded the town on Monday, around 1:30am in large numbers and started shooting sporadically.
According to sources, the troops of the Nigerian Army, who attempted to engage the insurgents, were overpowered and dislodged.
The insurgents were also said to have taken over control of the town.
Sources said most of the civilians ran into the bushes to seek safety, while someinternational and local humanitarian workers stationed in the town were reportedly trapped.
Others were said to have found their way through the bush and moved towards the Cameroon border.
As at the time of writing this report, the army’s spokesperson, Onyema Nwachukwu was not immediately available to comment on the attack.
Rann has come under attack over the years.
Recall that Boko Haram insurgents in 2018 destroyed the United Nations International Children’s Fund (UNICEF) clinic, the only healthcare centre in the LGA.
According to sources within the locality, troops repelled the insurgents after a fierce gun battle.
The insurgents were said to have stormed the town with various calibers of weapons, such as anti-air craft guns and mounted trucks.