UPDATED: Dikwa explosions caused by faulty solar battery’

Loud explosions that heralded sporadic gunshots by security forces today in the ancient town of Dikwa, Borno State was caused by faulty solar street light batteries that exploded in a store, local officials and security sources said.

Our correspondent reports that there was confusion, occasioned by mass exodus of people, including women and children in Dikwa today after a thunderous blast.

“There was no attack in Dikwa by the terror group,” said a senior security official in Maiduguri.

“The locals were actually scared when they heard a scaring bang which was caused by a some solar light batteries kept in a store,” the officer, who does not want his name mentioned, said.

“Soon after the ‘blast’ troops in Dikwa fired friendly shots into the air and the residents mistook the development and fled. Many people took to the bushes because they thought our men were engaging the terrorists. I want to assure you that normalcy has returned,” he said.

Earlier….

Suspected members of the Boko Haram are currently attacking the ancient town of Dikwa in Borno State.

Local Ari Bulawa said scores of insurgents stormed Dikwa around 11am today and engaged troops.

“The terrorists have attacked the military station in Dikwa with guns and explosives and the fight is ongoing.

“Most of our people have fled for now and only God knows how the fight will end,” he said.

This is not the first time Dikwa was attacked.
Details later….