The Yobe State Government, led by Deputy Governor Idi Barde-Gubana, has conducted funeral prayers for 34 victims killed in a devastating attack by suspected Boko Haram terrorists on Sunday in the Mafa community. The attack, one of the deadliest the state has witnessed, has left the community in mourning as they grapple with the loss of life and widespread destruction.
Deputy Governor Barde-Gubana, while sympathizing with the victims’ families, announced that the state government will collaborate closely with the Federal Government to establish a military presence in the area to prevent further attacks. He also directed the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) to ensure that displaced individuals and the injured receive proper care in camps and hospitals.
Eyewitness Ali Abdullahi, a physically challenged resident of Mafa, recounted how the terrorists spared his life due to his disability but left behind a trail of devastation. “They killed many people and destroyed shops. They let me go when they saw I was disabled,” Abdullahi said.
Another resident, Zanna Umar, added, “We buried 34 victims today. Some families took about 40 bodies for private burials, and we will continue burying the remaining victims tomorrow. Over 125 people were killed in the attack.”
In response to the tragedy, the state government has donated ₦30 million to the affected families. The deputy governor also reiterated the commitment to work with security forces to establish a military formation in Mafa, aiming to safeguard the community from further assaults.
This attack is described as the most severe in Yobe State since Boko Haram launched its insurgency 14 years ago.
