…As ISWAP massacre over 100 Muslims in Yobe
The Saudi Arabia Embassy in Nigeria and Egyptian Foreign Ministry have strongly condemned the recent devastating terrorist attacks that took place in Yobe State, northeastern Nigeria.
The attack led to the death of 130 Muslims according to survivors who recounted their terrifying experiences during the attack.
Although the Nigerian army confirmed the death toll at 34, the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorist group have claimed responsibility, saying that the villagers were attacked and massacred due to their arrogance and betrayal.
The Saudi Embassy, in a press statement, issued by Saudi Arabia Ambassador to Nigeria HE Faisal Ibrahim Al-Ghamidy on Wednesday, expressed the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s condemnation and denunciation of the treacherous terrorist attack targeting Mafa village, in Tarmuwa Local Government Area of Yobe State.
“The Embassy reiterates the Kingdom’s complete rejection of violence, terrorism, and extremism.
The Kingdom also expresses its sincere condolences and sympathy to the families of the deceased and the government and people of Nigeria.
“Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the Federal Republic of Nigeria”, the statement, which was also posted on the Embassy verified Twitter handle @KSAEMBASSYNG added.
#Statement | The Embassy expresses the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s condemnation and denunciation of the treacherous terrorist attack that took place in Yobe State, Northeastern Nigeria, which resulted in a number of deaths and injuries. pic.twitter.com/dtQf7gRsKD
— السفارة في أبوجا (@KSAembassyNG) September 4, 2024
Also, Egyptian Foreign Ministry on Wednesday 4/9/2024, sent sincere condolences and heartfelt sympathies to the government and people of Nigeria, wishing a speedy recovery to all the injured, the statement added.
Egypt affirmed its full solidarity and support for Nigeria’s efforts to combat all forms of violence, extremism, and terrorism, and achieve security and stability.
Burial for the recovered corpses
The remains of the 34 persons massacred by the ISWAP terrorist group have been buried according to Islamic rites.
Government officials, including the state’s deputy governor, Idi Barde Gubana, and victims’ families on Tuesday gathered in Babangida town, headquarters of Tarmuwa LGA to bury the bodies of the deceased.
Mafa, near Shekau village, the hometown of the late Boko Haram leader, Abubakar Shekau, witnessed a devastating attack that has left the community in mourning.
The attack, which occurred around 4:00 pm on Sunday, saw the terrorists killing scores, looting food and valuables, and destroying numerous homes and shops.
It was gathered that ISWAP targeted the village in retaliation for allegedly providing information to the military, leading to the deaths of ISWAP members.
In a letter written in Arabic, the group claimed responsibility, stating that the villagers’ cooperation with the military justified the brutal attack.
ISWAP accused the villagers of arrogance and betrayal, which led to the massacre.
At the funeral prayer, held at the Emir of Jajere’s palace and led by the Chief Imam of Yobe Mosque and Islamic Centre, Ustaz Hudu Mohammed Yusuf, the deputy governor announced a donation of N30 million to the families of the deceased and injured.
He also directed the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) to provide food and relief materials to the victims.
Describing the actions of the insurgents as barbaric and inhumane, the deputy governor urged continuous prayers for peace in the region.
Survivors’ horrific ordeals
Survivors recounted their terrifying experiences during the attack.
Ali Abdullahi, a person with a disability, described how the terrorists initially told villagers to remain calm, only to hunt down and execute those who attempted to flee.
“They went house to house, killing people. They spared me because they saw I was disabled and couldn’t run,” Abdullahi recounted.
Madaki Alhaji Kolobe, who lost his 25-year-old son, shared his grief, revealing that he only learned of his son’s death when he searched the hospital for his relatives.
Abubakar Umar, who left Mafa a day before the attack, lost his parents, brother, and friends.
“Over 125 people were killed, and 34 were buried here in Babangida,” he lamented.
Brigadier General Abdulsalam Dahiru (Rtd), Special Advisor to the Governor on Security Matters, confirmed the death toll at 34, with five others injured-four critically.
He dismissed rumours of higher casualties, emphasising that the Nigerian Army was the only entity that retrieved the bodies from Mafa.
He condemned ISWAP’s tactics, stating that they target innocent civilians rather than confronting military forces.
…with additional information from Daily Trust
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