In a tragic turn of events, soldiers have recovered 37 bodies from the scene of a deadly attack in Yobe State, leaving the community in deep mourning.
Boko Haram insurgents unleashed a vicious attack on the town of Mafa in Yobe State, resulting in 37 casualties. The deceased villagers have now been transported from the area.
According to the reports, the remains were taken to Babbangida General Hospital in anticipation of a mass burial planned for 10 a.m.
Hon. Idi Barde Gubana, the Deputy Governor of Yobe State, will head a group of high-ranking government officials to attend the funeral ceremony hosted at Tarmuwa LG’s Babbangida Emir’s palace.
According to sources within the community, the death toll is significantly greater with a minimum of 87 individuals reported dead as a result of the attack.
Local reports suggest that a significant number of casualties remained unrecovered, as their remains were found scattered in the bush. Despite military attempts at locating them being inadequate, 37 bodies have been retrieved and brought to the hospital. The severely decomposed corpses will be laid to rest at the location where they were attacked.
Boko Haram militants instigated violence in Mafa by attacking farmers and igniting homes and stores around 4 p.m. as residents were returning from their farms.
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An assault that occurred recently is a continuation of the previous attack from last month. The prior incident claimed two lives and caused 475 households to be displaced, impacting over 2,390 individuals in four communities located within Mafa ward.
According to sources, the insurgents could have launched a retaliatory strike against villagers who allegedly shared military intelligence resulting in the effective eradication of multiple militants back in July.
The attack in Yobe State was confirmed by spokesman Dungus Abdulkarim from the Police Command. However, he noted that network failures have made it difficult to ascertain all relevant information at this time.
According to him, the rebels came in more than 50 motorbikes and set fire to various stores and residences. Additionally, they left behind handouts containing Arabic writings.
The attack was validated by Brigadier-General Dahiru Abdulsalam (Rtd), who currently serves as the Security Matters Special Adviser to Governor of Yobe State. He mentioned that military personnel have been dispatched and steps are being taken to bring back peace in the affected zone.
Situated close to Shekau village, where the former head of Boko Haram Abubakar Shekau hailed from, Mafa village serves as a reminder of the persistent danger posed by the insurgency in this area.
