On November 14, 2014, Boko Haram militants stormed Chibok Town in Borno State and took control of the area in a swift and devastating attack. The attack, which occurred barely seven months after the mass abduction of about 276 schoolgirls in the town, began around 4:00 p.m., with the terrorists destroying critical communication infrastructure, making it difficult for residents to call for help.
Eyewitnesses stated that the terrorists came in with dangerous weapons and engaged soldiers and vigilantes in a gunfight. They also destroyed all the telecom towers in the town using Rocket-Propelled Grenades (RPGs). Residents fled the town and sought safety in other places. Enoch Mark, a pastor whose daughter and niece were among the abducted schoolgirls, and Senator Ali Ndume, confirmed the takeover of the town.
The development marked a significant expansion of Boko Haram's influence across northern Nigeria during the period. The assault also heightened fears for the safety among civilians as the insurgents continued their attacks and quest for control.
Other key events on this day
1. Michael Jackson's "Black or White" video premiered on FOX TV - 1991
2. Egyptian President Naguib fired/state of emergency declared - 1954
4. Oil refinery fire killed 500 and destroys Lagunillas, Venezuela - 1939
5. Ottoman Empire declared a holy war - 1914
6. First spacecraft orbited a planet - 1971
7. Nelie Bly set out to go around the world in 80 days - 1889
8. First public trains ran through the Channel Tunnel linking England and France under the English Channel - 1994
9. Zimbabwe Army seized key sites in capital Harare following tensions over Robert Mugabe's dismissal of Vice President - 2017
10. Thierry Henry became manager of Major League Soccer side Montreal Impact - 2019
11. Nigeria joined UNESCO - 1960.
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