…. 63 lives were lost – Zulum
Not fewer than 50 persons have been reportedly killed by Boko Haram terrorists in Bama Local Government Area of Borno State on Friday night, sources said.
Salient Times gathered that the attacks was highly coordinated and simultaneously started around 9:00 pm at Darul Jamal and they operated till day break
The village was recently resettled earlier this year in Bama local government area of the state.
Accoding to the locals, the terrorists invaded and killed many unsuspecting residents and travellers over the night in Darul Jamal close Banki town.
Our source said several residents were killed from among the relocated IDPs who are hosted at the Government Science Secondary School IDP camp.
The source said, “at least 56 civilians and five soldiers were killed. Although the casualties figure is not ascertained but more than 50 people have killed in last night attacks.
Another source claimed that many people are still missing after the attacks.
“Over 20 houses and ten buses were also burnt down,’ our source said.
Of the killed, seven are reported to be drivers, while six are labourers from Bama Town and Maiduguri, who were there taking part in the rebuilding of the village.
A top state government official who does not want his name in print confirmed that 59 persons were killed and seven corpses have been brought to Maiduguri for burial.
“It is disheartening! The terrorists came to the town and operated for hours without any form of resistance.
“In fact, I was told they passed their night in the village. We need to wake up, and our military should brace up and take the fight to them. We have just lost 59 souls; it is sad,” the source said.
As of the time of filing this report, official accounts are still being awaited.
Bama was severely raided a decade ago by the terrorists, who forced the residents to flee in what was one of the largest displacements and humanitarian crises in the (North East) region’s recent history.
During the attack, almost all the towns and villages were deserted and displaced.
After massive military operations, the LGA was reclaimed from terrorists, and the Nigerian and Borno State governments began resettling the displaced persons in 2016, with the latest being the Darul Jamal community.
Meanwhile, Governor Babagana Umara Zulum of Borno State, on Saturday, visited Darajamal, a community in Bama, to condole with families of the 63 people who were killed by Boko Haram insurgents on Friday night.
The victims comprised five soldiers and about 58 civilians.
The civilians were earlier displaced by the insurgents but returned to Darajamal two months ago.
Zulum, visibly moved by the incident, met with community leaders and consoled the bereaved families.
Speaking to newsmen, the governor said, “We are here to commiserate with the people of Darajamal over what happened last night that has claimed the lives of many people. It is very sad. This community was settled a few months ago and they go about their normal activities, but unfortunately, they experienced Boko Haram attack last night. Our visit is to commiserate with them and build their resilience.”
On the casualties, the governor said, “At this moment we have confirmed that 63 people lost their lives, both civilians and military, although the civilian casualties are more.”
Governor Zulum, while noting the challenges faced in the fight against insecurity, also called for the immediate deployment of the newly trained Forest Guards to complement the military in safeguarding vulnerable communities.
He said, “We have to take note that the numerical strength of the military is not enough to cover everywhere. So far, so good; two sets of Forest Guards have been trained. Therefore, one of the solutions that we need to implement immediately is to deploy the trained Forest Guards to most of the locations that are vulnerable, they will protect the forest and communities.”
Also, the Senator representing Borno Central, Kaka Shehu Lawan, whose constituency Darajamal falls under, has condemned the attack, describing it as a crime against humanity.
