Published By Olukayode Idowu
Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Zulum has confirmed that 32 persons were killed by Boko Haram/ISWAP fighters in an attack on a village in the troubled state.
A statement by his spokesman, Mallam Isa Gusau on Wednesday said the 32 persons were killed by Boko Haram/ISWAP fighters around Mudu village, some 45 kilometres away from Rann, headquarters of Kala-Balge Local Government Area of the state last weekend.
Gusau, while confirming the number of death in an update released to journalists on Wednesday in Maiduguri, also disclosed that six persons were injured while two escaped the attack unhurt.
Gusau said: “Governor Babagana Umara Zulum is very disturbed by the unfortunate killing of fellow citizens at the weekend. Pending a full report, the governor was briefed by the Majority Leader of Borno State House of Assembly, Mohammed Dige, who represents Kala-Balge where the victims hailed from.”
He added that: “From the lawmaker’s briefing, a total of 32 youths are believed to have been killed by the insurgents. The youths were not farmers but highly enterprising young men engaged in gathering metals popularly called ‘Kayan Ajaokuta’ which are sold as raw materials for steel production.
“The victims were said to have gone to a deserted Mudu village, 45 kilometers away from Dikwa in search of the raw materials; in the process, they were unfortunately ambushed by the insurgents. Six persons were injured during the ambush while two escaped unhurt.”
Gusau further disclosed that: “A team of soldiers, alongside the Chairman of Kala-Balge LGA, on Tuesday, recovered 14 bodies of victims who were apparently tied and shot at close range.”
He however noted that: “Governor Zulum shares deeply the pains of bereaved families and the good people of Kala-Balge and is awaiting full report by the end of today before necessary measures.”