… Says 14 bodies recovered, search ongoing
By Babagana Wakil, Maiduguri
Borno state governor, Babagana Zulum has confirmed the killing by Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists of 32 persons around Mudu village, 45 kilometers from Rann, headquarters of Kala-Balge local government area of the state, last weekend.
The governor stated this in a statement by his spokesperson, Isa Gusau and made available to newsmen on Wednesday.
According to Zulum, six persons were injured while two escaped the attack unhurt.
“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.
“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 in Dikwa LGA, which is 45 kilometers away from Rann in Kala-Bakge, in search of the raw materials; but in the process, they were unfortunately ambushed by the insurgents. Six persons were injured during the ambush while two escaped unhurt.
“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.
“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,” the statement reads.
