Boko Haram renames Adamawa town, Mubi -- “Madinatul Islam”

Despite the platitudes by the Nigerian military, Boko Haram has consolidated its occupation of the strategic town of Mubi in Adamawa State, among other towns in the North-east, and has renamed it “Madinatul Islam”, meaning the city of Islam and peace.

The terrorist sect has also assured trapped residents in the ancient city of the dividends of democracy, security, freedom and an all-inclusive government, and has taken the step of asking other residents who have fled to return to their homes.

The insurgents had sacked Nigerian troops from Mubi last week after a fierce battle and taken full control to establish their authority on the conquered town.

A trapped resident in Mubi, Mallam Aliyu Bala, confirmed that the insurgents have renamed Mubi and given it a new name - Madinatul Islam.

He said the insurgents have mounted checkpoints and are monitoring every nook and cranny as they mount surveillance all over the town, adding that they are making efforts to establish a new government in Mubi so as to extend its territories by conquering more towns in the North-east.

Bala, however, said despite the promises of safety and security by the sect, thousands of residents have been sneaking out of the city for the fear of the unknown.

Also commenting, Sunday Joshua Wugira, a legal practitioner, who went to Maiha town to pick up his aged parents who fled to the town from Mubi, said despite the assurance by the insurgents, several trapped residents were still fleeing, including soldiers.
“I was in Maiha a few hours ago, the pathetic plight of the people I saw was simply beyond imagination. We were in a commercial bus when some fleeing soldiers said we must adjust for them to get space in the bus to flee, which we objected.

“It’s unfortunate that even soldiers join civilians to run away,” he said.
The insurgents, nonetheless, have continued to appeal to displaced residents of captured communities in Adamawa State to return to their homes as they continue to be assured of safety.
 

Residents said the insurgents have informed them that they would be more secure in the new Islamic Caliphate than in the Nigerian state that is unable to provide them with security and the basic necessities of life.

One of the trapped residents, Bello, said the insurgents have been persuading them daily that the people should give them a chance to exert their authority on them promising a peaceful atmosphere.

The insurgents have also been reportedly persuading the residents of the four local governments of Michika, Madagali, Mubi North and Mubi South of Adamawa State to go about their normal businesses.

A resident of Uba town, Mallam Salisu Baba, said normal activities have started picking up in the captured territories as Boko Haram enjoins residents to go about their daily affairs, while asking them to open their shops for business.

The resident added that the insurgents have warned politicians not to try to hold any elections in the state, vowing to scuttle the polls and restating their resolve to capture the whole of Adamawa State in no distant future.

“The insurgents have assured people of unassailable freedom and have been telling shop owners to open their shops threatening that anyone who fails to open his or her shop will have the shops broken into.

“Whenever the insurgents want any commodity, they pay for it. This encouraged meat sellers, tea sellers and others to open for business.

“They provided security during the market day in Uba town last Thursday while promising to continue to give traders and residents who come to the area utmost security as long as they comply with Islamic tenets.

“They have opened one of the filling stations belonging to A.A Garba in Uba town, as motorists troops to buy petrol due to high demand,” Baba revealed.
In another development, as part of measures to contain the security situation in Adamawa, the state government has banned the operation of commercial motorcycles in seven local government areas.

A statement by Mr. Phineas Elisha, Director Press and Public Affairs to the governor, urged the public and security operatives to ensure compliance.

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

Credit: Aminu Mohammed/Daji Sani/Ibrahim Shuaibu/Segun Awofadeji/ThisDay

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