AFRICA/NIGERIA - "If Boko Haram succeed in cutting us off from the other part of Nigeria, Maiduguri is doomed"

Abuja (Agenzia Fides) - "The rate of the Boko Haram attacks in the past few weeks have become worrisome and dangerous. This remains the only route linking Maiduguri city with the other parts of the world. One can only imagine, what it would look like, if the terrorists succeed in cutting us off from the other part of Nigeria", refers Fr. Gideon Obasogie, director of social communications of the Diocese of Maiduguri, capital of Borno State, at the center of the offensive of Boko Haram in retaliation to the military operations carried out by the Nigerian army.
Boko Haram attacked the highway and nearby villages, such as Mainok, where two days ago, 30 people were killed and most of the buildings destroyed. "I passed through this road to Maiduguri from Jos on Wednesday July 15" says Fr. Obasogie. "A lot of cars were intercepted and burnt down. A good number of the residents of most villages along the Maiduguri - Damaturu highway had fled their communities for fear of further attacks. This remains the only route linking Maiduguri city with the other parts of the world. One can only imagine, what it would look like, if the terrorists succeed in cutting us off from the other part of Nigeria".
According to the priest Boko Haram bombed all major bridges on ‎four of the five highways linking the rest of the world with Maiduguri. "The group has also planted landmines on the roads, killing several travellers", said Fr. Obasogie.
"We hope that soldiers will be deployed to Benisheik town, 85 kilometres from Maiduguri, to specifically guard the major bridge along ‎the highway" said Fr. Obasogie. "If that happens, ‎we are doomed in Maiduguri, because that is the only surviving road that thousands of travellers ply daily", concludes the priest. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 16/07/2015)