Kala-Balge: Zulum’s aide confirms 32 killed, clarifies victims were not farmers

… Says 14 bodies recovered, search ongoing

Thirty two (32) persons are believed to be the number of victims killed by Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists around Mudu village, some 45 kilometers away from Rann, headquarters of Kala-Balge Local Government Area of Borno State, last weekend.

Governor Babagana Zulum’s spokesman, Malam Isa Gusau, confirmed the figure in an update released to journalists on Wednesday from Maiduguri.

The statement also confirmed that 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”, Gusau said.

“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, 45 kilometers away from Dikwa in search of the raw materials; in the process, they were unfortunately ambushed by the insurgents. Six persons were injured during the ambush while two escaped unhurt”, he added.

“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”, the spokesman said.

“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”, Gusau noted.