Just In – Boko Haram Kills 63 in Borno

* Five Soldiers Pay the Supreme Price

Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, paid a condolence visit to the community of Darajamal in Bama on Saturday, following a devastating attack by Boko Haram insurgents that killed 63 people the previous night.

The victims included five soldiers and 58 civilians, many of whom had been displaced by the insurgency and had only returned to Darajamal two months ago to resume their normal lives.

Daily Trust reports that visibly moved Governor Zulum met with community leaders and bereaved families to offer his sympathies. Addressing journalists, he expressed his profound sorrow over the incident, stating, “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.”

He confirmed the death toll, noting that “At this moment we have confirmed that 63 people lost their lives, both civilians and military, although the civilian casualties are more.”

Highlighting the challenges in the fight against insecurity, Governor Zulum called for the immediate deployment of newly trained Forest Guards to support the military in protecting vulnerable communities. He emphasized, “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.”

The attack was also condemned by the Senator representing Borno Central, Kaka Shehu Lawan, in whose constituency Darajamal falls. He described the assault as a crime against humanity.