A somber atmosphere pervaded Mafa village in Yobe State as hundreds of residents gathered to lay to rest the 125 victims of a brutal terrorist attack.
Daily Report Nigeria reports that the assault, allegedly carried out by Boko Haram insurgents, occurred on September 1 and targeted worshippers in the area.
According to Alhaji Alimi Kupti, a district head, the attack resulted in the deaths of at least 125 individuals, including children and the elderly.
Kupti said:
“This week’s attack on Mafa was the deadliest yet by Boko Haram, with widespread destruction and loss of life.”
The victims’ bodies were transported from Mafa village to Babangida, the local government headquarters, by a joint team of military personnel, vigilantes, and community leaders.
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A further 47 bodies, too badly burned to be identified, were buried in Mafa village, while 34 others were interred in Babangida.
The attack is believed to have been carried out in retaliation for the villagers’ alleged cooperation with the military, which led to the killing of several insurgents last month.
Reacting, the state governor, Hon Mai Mala Buni, condemned the attack and offered condolences to the families of the victims.
Buni also pledged N30 million in support to the affected families and directed the State Emergency Management Agency to provide relief materials.
The Emir of Jajere, Alhaji Mai Hamza Buba Ibn Isah Mashio, appealed for increased security measures in the area and expressed gratitude for the state government’s response.
Mashio also called on the government and wealthy individuals to provide assistance to the displaced residents of Mafa, who have sought refuge in Babbangida.
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