By Our Correspondent
Tears flowed freely on Tuesday evening as families and friends gathered to witness the mass burial of 66 victims killed during Sunday’s terrorist attacks in Baga, Kukawa Local Government Area (LGA) of Borno State.
While the Borno State government reported 40 fatalities and several missing persons, sources, including Kanuri-born rights activist Rev. Kallamu Musa Ali Dikwa, claimed the actual death toll exceeded 100. Rev. Dikwa stated that the mass burial, conducted under heavy military presence, accounted for 66 individuals.
“Many people have died, and some are still unaccounted for because the terrorists took them away. The government’s figure of 40 deaths does not reflect the reality,” Dikwa said.
Multiple Villages Attacked
The attacks extended to Chibok LGA, where three villages—Skarkar, Bamzur, and Zillan—were invaded within 24 hours of the Baga incident. Witnesses reported extensive destruction, including the burning of homes, churches, and a pastor’s residence. In Tsathla village, ongoing attacks were reported as residents fled for safety.
Locals recounted the systematic looting of food, fuel, cash, and other valuables by the heavily armed insurgents. With communication networks disrupted, families struggled to contact loved ones, further exacerbating fears about their fate.
Government Response
In a press statement, Governor Babagana Zulum condemned the attacks and announced ongoing efforts to locate and reunite survivors with their families. The statement, signed by the Commissioner for Information and Internal Security, Professor Usman Tar, confirmed the deaths of 40 farmers and fishermen in Dumba community, near Baga.
“Investigations are underway to determine the circumstances of the attack. The state government is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all residents,” the statement read.
Activist’s Warning
Rev. Dikwa criticized the government’s response, alleging deliberate underreporting of casualties. He warned that continued attacks and misinformation could further destabilize the region.
“Both Muslims and Christians were targeted in these heinous acts. Entire villages have been decimated, and many residents are now displaced. The humanitarian situation is dire,” he added.
### Escalating Insurgency
The resurgence of attacks by Boko Haram and ISWAP in Borno threatens to worsen the already fragile humanitarian crisis in Nigeria’s Northeast. Despite military successes reported under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, communities remain vulnerable to frequent raids by insurgents.
Residents have called for increased security measures and transparent communication from authorities to restore confidence and prevent further tragedies.
