Add BBN on 2BAFB965

As the battle between the Nigerian military and the outlawed Islamic sect, Boko Haram, intensified in Adamawa State, some Army officers have accused their counterparts in the Air Force for bombarding checkpoints manned by Army.

One of the soldiers, who spoke on condition of anonymity to our correspondent on Monday in Yola, said " We are 17 in number, manning checkpoints on the Mubi side, when an Air Force plane drop bombs on us. We all fled the area. Up until now, I cannot say where my colleagues are, because we ran in different directions.

"I managed to come to Yola through Cameroon, after trekking for some kilometres. I was assisted by some good Samaritan."

Residents of Hong said an Air Force helicopter also dropped bombs on some residential houses in Shuwa village near the hometown of Nigerian Ambassador to Tunisia, Ambassador James Barka.

Meanwhile, as part of measures to contain the level of insecurity, the Adamawa State Government has banned the use of motorcycles in seven local government areas with immediate effect.

The affected local governments are Numan, Demsa, Girei, Song, Gombi, Hong and Fufore.

A statement by the Director, Press and Public Affairs, Government House, Yola, Mr. P.P. Elisha, said, "Security agents have been directed to ensure enforcement of the policy."

The ousted regime of Murtala Nyako had banned the use motorcycles in Yola North, Yola South, Mubi and Michika and Madagali Local Government areas.

Security situation had deteriorated in the northern parts of Adamawa State with Mubi, the second largest town in the state, falling under the control of Boko Haram last Wednesday.

PUNCH