One person has been reported dead while seven others are said to be receiving treatment after suspected members of the Boko Haram terrorist group ambushed a vigilante group in Yobe state, northeast Nigeria.

Witnesses told Channels Television that the vigilante group were on their way to conduct a ‘search operation’ in Wulle Village of Gujba Local Government Area of the state, when an Explosive Device allegedly planted by the insurgents went off, killing the driver of the Hilux vehicle conveying the group.

One of the vigilante members involved in the attack, Mr Baitu narrating the incident said: “We got a tip off that the terrorists group had a day earlier, snatched a vehicle in Wulle village, after which we then mobilised to carry out a search operation in the town.

“We were approaching a bridge very close to Wulle when an explosive buried by the insurgents went off and halted us from reaching the terrorists hideouts.”

Baitu, who is among the other six receiving treatment at the Damaturu Specialist hospital, confirmed that the driver died on the spot.

The Commander of the vigilante group, Mallam Awana, speaking to Channels Television, however noted that the incident would not frighten them from carrying out their onslaught on the terrorist group, rather it would serve as an encouragement to do more.

“We are sad with the regrettable happening but it will not deter us from fighting the insurgents. I can assure you that we have just started and we will continue to lookout for these criminals and we must ensure we wipe them off completely to restore normalcy in our localities.

“Our law abiding citizens must return to their ancestral homes to continue with their legitimate means of livelihood,” Awana assured.

Wulle village is located about 10 kilometres east of Buniyadi, the headquarters of Gujba Local Government Area south of Damaturu, the Yobe State capital.

Buniyadi was captured by the Boko Haram insurgents in 2013 but was reclaimed by security forces in 2016 which led to the return of the Displaced persons to the area. (Channels TV)

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