Ashaka aftermath: Invaders flee with truckloads of dead members – DHQ

By Joy Baba

At least 67 terrorists died during a fierce battle for the control of Ashaka, the host community of Ashaka Cement Plant, in Gombe state, last Thursday.

According to a press statement issued by the Defence Headquarters at the weekend, their colleagues managed to retrieve three truckloads full of their members before their final retreat from the town, which they stormed earlier on that day after suffering heavy defeat in the hands of Nigerian troops.

“The terrorists, who had come in large numbers with heavy equipment and convoy of over 30 vehicles including a number of motor cycles, were on a mission to take control of Ashaka town, after they had operated in Bajoga and environment in the state.

According to a tweet on Defence Headquarters handle (last Friday) noted that troops who got wind of their intention to overrun other towns pursued the terrorists while some also laid ambush for them. It said the terrorists were forced to abandon the mission when the troops proved unyielding.

“Most of the vehicles and equipment used by the terrorists for their mission, were destroyed before they chose to flee the location.  Unfortunately, more than 10 soldiers, paid the supreme sacrifice during the battle while others who were wounded are being treated in military hospitals”, it stated.

“Meanwhile, patrolling troops on Saturday had an encounter with a group of terrorists in the Kwanta Yobe area.

Apart from a number of terrorists that died in the encounter, some equipment and weapons including rapid propelling guns (RPGs) tubes, machine guns and rounds of different calibres of ammunition were also captured from the terrorists.

The DHQ however said no casualty was recorded on the part of the troops.