The violence between Boko Haram and the vigilante group in Borno State popularly called ''Civilian JTF'' took a bloody turn on Wednesday afternoon when the vigilante group invaded the Jajeri Ward behind Baga market in Maiduguri at about 1pm. The group led by their leader Abubakar Maulum stormed the terrorists stronghold and a fierce exchange of gunfire as and free use of locally made bombs was said to have erupted. Several people are said to have died in the fire fight..
This battle came a day after a group of about 200 youth missed the Borno State ANPP Chairman, Alhaji Mala Othman by whiskers when they descended on his GRA home on tuesday chanting ''Sai Mun Kawo Karshensu'' (we must bring an end to their activities). The vigilantes have openly accused him of being a sponsor of Boko Haram. They were outraged when security operatives attached to Alhaji Othman helped him escape and angrily burnt the house to the ground.
While the efforts of the group should be applauded and encouraged, its not very comforting to note that these vigilantes seem to have moved from being an unarmed, intelligence gathering posse to an armed posse armed with guns and the know-how to fabricate bombs. It would be wise for the JTF to mop the guns up and limit the activities of the boys.
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