16 Killed In Telecom Mast Attack

Gunmen suspected to be Boko Haram members killed 16 people in an attack in Yobe State yesterday morning.

The assailants, who used Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) and petrol-bombs during the attack, set ablaze the service-base masts of Airtel, Glo and Etisalat in Potiskum and Damaturu .

This is coming barely 24 hours after torching 15 masts of four Global System of Mobile Communication (GSM) firms in Borno State.

Among the 16 people killed was the Yobe State Government protocol officer, Mallam Adamu.

Adamu was attacked and killed while returning from his duty post at the Government House, Damaturu.

Not less than 24 towers have been attacked, likely causing damage worth millions of dollars, says an association of mobile phone companies.

Army spokesperson Sagir Musa put the blame on radical Islamist group known as Boko Haram. Months ago the group threatened to target phone companies for collaborating with authorities.

According to experts, a tower costs about $450,000 and with antennas, generators and transmission equipment, the cost of a single tower can exceed $1million.

L-R: Minister of Finance, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, President Goodluck Jonathan, Vice President Namadi Sambo, and Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajia Amina Maina, at the launch of 2nd Edition of 'Youwin' programme in Abuja On Monday.