Residents of Mallam Fatori town in Borno State joined other Muslim faithful across the world to observe this year’s Eid-il-Fitr, for the first time after Boko Haram captured the town in 2014.
It was gathered that the terrorists had forced the inhabitants of the town to flee their homes for almost eight years.
Mallam Fatori, the headquarters of Abadam Local Government is a border town with Niger.
Since 2015 after the military recaptured Mallam Fatori from insurgents, Nigerian troops have repelled over 300 attempts by Boko Haram and ISWAP to dislodge them and reoccupy the town, findings show.
Recall that a military commander, Lt Col Abu Ali, was killed in one of the battles at the town in November 2016.
The town was eventually liberated and the army base reoccupied.
A humanitarian worker told journalists that the people were excited about security and safety in the town.
“Thanks to the Multinational Joint Taskforce (NNJTF) who recaptured the town from Boko Haram fighters and the resettlement programme of the Borno State Government.
“Several internally-displaced persons, IDPs, and refugees, who hitherto were residents of the town, returned to their ancestral homes and communities, a few months ago.
“Aside from the Eid prayer, which was successfully held in the town, the people have been participating in various fun-filled activities to celebrate the Sallah festival.
“We have been enjoying ourselves since on Sallah day, up till today, and even till Friday,” he concluded.
In his sermon after leading the Eid prayer, the Chief Imam, Sheikh Gwoni Modu, urged the worshippers to pray for an end to the Boko Haram-ISWAP terrorism and support the security personnel and government so that the town and other communities in the state could enjoy peace.
Credit/PRNigeria