Yobe Violence Spreads to Gashu'a....Explosions Gun Shots Cause Panic

Explosions and gunshots were reported on Tuesday in Gashua, a town in Yobe State (North-East Nigeria).

Although details of casualties and level of destruction were not available, soldiers attached to the Joint Task Force on Operation Restore Order were swiftly deployed in the town, which hosts a well known prison.

“There have been explosions and gunfire throughout the town. It all began around 3a.m and lasted up to 6a.m in the morning,” one resident told Agence France Presse.

The town has suffered attacks from the violent Boko Haram sect in the past, although it could not be confirmed if it was behind the lastest attack.

JTF spokesman in Yobe State, Lazarus Eli, confirmed soldiers were patrolling, but declined to give further details.

“Our troops have deployed to Gashua this morning, but I can’t tell you the situation in the town now,” he said.

Violence has continued across some cities in North-East Nigeria in spite of an offer by Boko Haram to open talks with the Federal Government, as part of a proposed ceasefire.