Thousands of residents in Geidam Yobe state, Nigeria, fled their homes on Saturday after bomb blasts were heard, amid a rising spate of terror attacks against the African state. Ibrahim Gobi said: “We have fled, along with our wives and children and hundreds of others. We are right now running and hiding in the bushes.”
Police reported a total of 11 bomb explosions this morning.
Meanwhile, locals reported a separate bomb blast in Maiduguri near Borno today, with witnesses saying they heard gun shots and saw Nigerian air force jets flying above.
Last Saturday, members of Boko Haram carried out an attack in Maiduguri killing a total of 11 people.
North-east Nigeria has faced a rising number of terror-related attacks by offshoot Islamic State in West Africa Province, as jihadist group Boko Haram continues its long-standing rebellion to overthrow the government.
Last week, armed group Boko Haram threatened to cause chaos in elections, forcing authorities to delay polls over fears of an attack.
Hadiza Idris, a resident of the city of Maiduguri, told Al Jazeera: “I will remain indoor with my children. I don’t think I will go out to vote because anything can happen.”
More than 84 million Nigerians have registered to vote, as thousands head to the polls today.
Due to the week-long delay in votes, the turnout is expected to reduced as thousands who organised their travels will not be able to repeat the process this weekend.
In an emergency meeting on Monday, President of Nigeria Muhammadu Buhari was widely criticised for saying that anyone who interfered in elections “will do it at the expense of his own life”.
He added: “I have given the military and the police instructions to be ruthless. We are not going to be blamed for the bad conduct of the election.”
Addressing the nation on Friday morning, President of Nigeria Muhammadu Buhari said: “Do not be afraid of rumours of violence and unrest. Our security agencies have worked diligently to ensure that adequate security measures are in place.
“You will be able to vote in an atmosphere of openness and peace, devoid of fear from threat or intimidation.”
Former vice-president of Nigeria Atiku Abubakar is one of the electoral frontrunners against incumbent Mr Buhari in this year’s elections.