Terror Attack in Yobe State, Nigeria: Military Deploys More Soldiers to Combat Insurgents
A devastating terror attack on Sunday has left at least 34 villagers dead and several houses ablaze in Mafa village, Tarmuwa Local Government Area, Yobe State, Nigeria. The Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, has responded by deploying more soldiers to the area to combat the insurgents.
According to eyewitnesses, the death toll could exceed 100, although official reports from the state government confirmed 34 casualties. The victims were laid to rest in a mass burial on Tuesday in Babangida, the headquarters of the Tarmuwa Local Government Area.
Yobe State Governor, Mai Mala Buni, visited the Chief of Defence Staff in Abuja to seek support and express deep concern over the escalating incursions of terrorists into the state. He emphasized the need to address the attacks on soft targets along the borders, where lives are lost and properties are looted.
"We have discussed extensively with the CDS to find a lasting solution to these incursions and attacks on the border communities," Governor Buni said. "I am pleased with his response, and the new strategies he assured to undertake to check the menace and excesses of the terrorists to safeguard the lives and property of our people."
General Musa pledged to deploy additional personnel and implement innovative strategies to curb the movements and attacks by criminal elements in identified areas. He emphasized the importance of enhanced collaboration between the armed forces and local communities to effectively combat terrorism and other criminal activities nationwide.
The Chairman of the Northern States Governors’ Forum and Governor of Gombe State, Muhammadu Yahaya, strongly condemned the Sunday terror attack, describing it as a senseless act of violence that had caused immense grief to the affected families and communities. He called on security agencies to double their efforts and ensure that the perpetrators are swiftly brought to justice.
The Embassy of Saudi Arabia in Nigeria also strongly condemned the attack, describing it as "treacherous" and reiterated the Kingdom’s firm stance against violence, terrorism, and extremism.
The Yobe State Police Command confirmed the attack, with its spokesperson, Dungus Abdulkarim, noting that the insurgents left behind fliers with Arabic inscriptions. The attack is a stark reminder of the ongoing security challenges facing Nigeria, and the need for collective action to prevent such tragedies from recurring.
