The Nigerian Army has dismissed as untrue reports that some passengers were abducted by Boko Haram terrorists on Damaturu-Biu Road in Yobe state.
Recall that there were media reports on Friday alleging that insurgents had abducted some passengers travelling on the Damaturu-Biu Road.
The report had also claimed that the incident forced the military authorities to close down the road.
Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, Sector 2, Operation LAFIYA DOLE, Lt. Njoka Irabor, debunked the report in a statement released in Maiduguri on Saturday, which was obtained by the Next Edition.
According to him, nothing of such occurred on the road.
The statement said: “The attention of Headquarters Sector 2, Operation LAFIYA DOLE, has been drawn to the circulation of fake news trending on website and social media platforms alleging that suspected Boko Haram terrorists abducted unspecified passengers plying Biu-Damaturu Road yesterday (Friday).
“This is not true; there is no such incident in the North East, let alone on the mentioned road.
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“What the media misconstrued is that, as part of our routine measures to curb the criminal activities of Boko Haram terrorists, and ensure safety of all residents and road users, troops carry out routine patrols, checks and ambushes.
“This necessitated the temporary closure of the road. What happened in the morning of February 1, 2019; is that there was a report of suspected movement of Boko Haram terrorists and the troop swung into action.
“In order to avoid likely collateral damages, the troop temporarily halted vehicular movement; however, the road was immediately reopened after the routine military check.”
Irabor called on members of the public and travellers to disregard the report and go about their normal businesses. The army spokesman reiterated the commitment of the military to end insurgency and restore peace to the war-tone region.
