Many of the emigrants say they are leaving because of rampant arrests and indiscriminate shootings by the Joint Task Force, which stormed areas in the city on Sunday and rounded up many young men.
Other people are apparently apprehensive over the rumours that the Boko Haram sect is threatening to launch an attack during Eid el-Fitr holidays starting at the weekend.
But the JTF yesterday tried to reassure the people, urging them to stay back and ignore “rumours and speculations” as the security forces were ready to protect them.
A Daily Trust correspondent reported that most of the people fleeing are from the restive areas of Pompomari, Powari, Ajari, Nayinawa, Hausari, Babbar Tsangaya, Pindigari and Shagari Lowcost.
No mass moments were seen at the highbrow neighbourhoods of Commissioners Quarters, Brabra Housing Estate, Red Bricks Estate, Sani Daura and Ben Kalio estates.
At the motor parks in Damaturu, hundreds were seen stranded because there were no enough vehicles to evacuate them.
Transport fares also rocketed as motorists tried to exploit the situation to make quick gains.
One of those trying to leave the city, Malam Tijjani, said nearly everybody had left the Pindigari ward where JTF and gunmen engaged in a shootout on Sunday.
“We are trapped in the park; the commercial vehicles are not available while some cannot afford the exorbitant fares,” he told Daily Trust.
“A week before now, commuters usually pay N500 to Potiskum but as people troop in hundreds they are now charging N1,200 while from here to Gashua is N1,500 as against N700.”
Tijjani said many people had no money to pay transport fares and therefore resorted to selling their belongings at give-away prices.
“Most of them sold electronics and other valuables at a very cheap rate for them to raise money to transport their families out. Some people are not even sure where they are headed,” he added.
Another migrant from Nayinawa, who refused to give his name, said many people deserted the area to avoid being slaughtered by assailants. “Some with the courage to stay are now forced out by indiscriminate arrest by the security forces,” he said.
The movement of people out of Damaturu started last week, and the state government tried to assure them of safety, but the violence did not abate.
Yesterday, one of those fleeing told the BBC Hausa that people were leaving without even knowing where to go to. “People are carrying their luggage on their heads and trekking out of the city,” he said.
“Some of my neighbors erected a makeshift tent out of town staying with their families. I have three wives and ten children, I am now planning to go back to Damaturu and pack them out so that we can find a place to manage,” he said.
On calls by the authorities for people to return, he said, “Even the leaders who are calling for people not leave Damaturu have already left the state. Their calls on the radio would not stop people from leaving the town.”
Another man told the BBC that about 2,000 people were stranded at the motor park trying to find their way out.
“We want to leave because yesterday morning (Sunday) military men came shooting in our places….A woman was hit by a stray bullet in her Bosom . We don’t know where to go…Nobody is cautioning the JTF, they arrest anybody and have been breaking into our houses,” he said.
JTF: We will protect the people
The JTF yesterday urged residents fleeing to return to their homes as security agencies were committed to protecting them.
“Residents of the state capital should not panic or leave town as a result of rumours and speculations and that those who left as a result of rumours and speculations should return and live peacefully in their own homes,” a statement from the JTF in Damaturu said.
“The JTF assures members of the general public that its officers and men will continue to take every necessary measure to ensure the safety and security of all law abiding citizens.
“The JTF further assures the public that Damaturu will not become a den for terrorists and that everything necessary will be done to make the city peaceful for all its inhabitants.
“The JTF calls on members of the general public to cooperate and be patient as efforts are stepped up to maintain security.
“The JTF also calls on people to continue with their normal daily activities and to assist with any relevant information which may assist in improving the security situation through the dedicated telephone numbers already provided. You may wish to contact us on the following phone numbers: 08076591981, 08076591976, 08076591985, 08076591968, 08076591986, 08076591977, 08076590354, 08075090119.”
The Yobe State Police commissioner Patrick Egbuniwe also assured people of their safety and urged them to return to Damaturu.
“We have put so many things on ground for people to see and dispel the rumour and propaganda spread by the Boko Haram members that they would launch an attack and kill police and military in the town on Sallah day. It’s a lie; they are just confusing people to flee the town,” he said.
He said though people had the constitutional right to move freely, “I would advise them to stay calm and nothing is going to happen.”
| Posted: at | |
TRENDING GISTS 
Ex Madrid Player, Xabi Alonso Seals Managerial Move To Real Madrid As Ancelotti Bows Out
EFCC Roars, Vows Tompolo Is Not Above The Law And Will Be Prosecuted
I'm No Longer Interested, My Spirit Has Left There - Fubara Speaks on Returning As Rivers Gov. (VID)
Panic In Abuja As Pastor Shoots Two Immigration Officers After Being Mistaken Them For Robbers
Retired Teacher, Mallam Kabiru Killed, Wife Abducted As Bandits Invade Zamfara School Quarters
Army Busts Gunrunning Syndicate in Plateau, Two Arrested With AK-47 (Photos)