2nd LD: Gov't forces repel Boko Haram attack in Nigeria's Gombe city

Government forces repelled an attack launched by Boko Haram fighters in Nigeria's Gombe city on Saturday, barely one week after defense authorities vowed to crush the militant group in the Western African country, witnesses and security sources said.

Boko Haram fighters stormed Dadin Kowa, about three kilometers from Gombe city, state capital of the Gombe State, shooting heavily and unleashing terror on the local people, Abu Hassan, a witness, said.

But government forces, made up of the Nigerian military and mobile police, quickly responded to the attack, he added.

The attack has paralyzed the city, another witness named Musa Bala said, adding residents remained indoors, commercial stores were shut and other business activities within the city were brought to a halt as the Nigerian troops continue to push back the insurgents.

"Gun shots, heavy gun shots are being heard. A number of explosions have also been heard. Everyone is in a state of serious fear right now," Bala told Xinhua by telephone.

Gombe State police spokesperson Fwaje Atajiri did not respond to a Xinhua text message seeking an official statement on the incident. But another security source said government forces had decimated a number of the Boko Haram fighters who launched the attack.

There are fears that some civilians could have been killed or injured in the crossfire.

The Boko Haram attack has prompted authorities in Gombe to impose a 24-hour curfew in the state. Endi