Breaking News: Boko Haram Attack In Yobe Claims At Least 87 Lives, 37 Bodies Recovered

Breaking News: Boko Haram Attack In Yobe Claims At Least 87 Lives, 37 Bodies Recovered

The remains of 37 villagers killed in a Boko Haram attack have been transported from Mafa, a town in Tarmuwa Local Government Area of Yobe State. The bodies have been taken to Babbangida General Hospital in preparation for a mass burial scheduled for 10 AM.

Yobe State Deputy Governor, Hon Idi Barde Gubana, and other senior government officials are expected to attend the burial, which will be held at the Babangida Emir’s Palace, the administrative center of Tarmuwa LG.

Community sources have reported that at least 87 people were killed in the attack. “We can confirm that 87 individuals lost their lives. Some of the bodies were not recoverable as they were left in the bush, and the military was unable to locate them,” a source stated.

Currently, 37 bodies are at Babbangida General Hospital, while decomposed remains will be buried at the site of the attack. The assault, which occurred around 4 PM as villagers returned from farming, also involved the burning of homes and businesses.

This attack follows a previous incident last month where two people were killed and 475 households were displaced due to a Boko Haram attack that affected over 2,390 individuals across four communities in Mafa ward.

A source suggested that the recent attack might be retaliatory, as villagers had reportedly provided information to the military leading to the deaths of several insurgents in the previous month. “The attack seems to be in retaliation for the intelligence provided to the military, which resulted in a successful operation against the insurgents,” the source said.

Yobe State Police spokesman, Dungus Abdulkarim, confirmed the attack but mentioned that details were still emerging due to network issues in the area. “The exact number of casualties is not yet confirmed. The attack involved over 50 motorcycles, with insurgents setting fire to properties and leaving behind fliers with Arabic inscriptions,” Abdulkarim said.

Brigadier-General Dahiru Abdulsalam (Retired), Special Adviser to the Governor on Security Matters, also verified the attack and confirmed that military forces have been deployed to the region.

Naija News reports that Mafa village is situated near Shekau village, the birthplace of the late Boko Haram leader, Abubakar Shekau.