The Islamic State in West Africa Province (ISWAP) has claimed responsibility for the recent deadly attack in Yobe State that resulted in the deaths of at least 87 people. The attack occurred in Mafa town on Sunday afternoon, where terrorists killed residents and set homes and shops ablaze.
Reports indicate that the remains of 37 victims have been recovered and taken to Babbangida General Hospital for a mass burial scheduled for Tuesday morning. The burial will be attended by Yobe State Deputy Governor Hon Idi Barde Gubana and other senior government officials at the Babangida Emir’s Palace in Tarmuwa Local Government Area.
In a letter written in Arabic and obtained on Tuesday, ISWAP admitted to the attack, alleging that the village was targeted for providing information to the military, which led to the deaths of their members. The letter warned other villages against cooperating with the military, threatening further violence if they did.
ISWAP’s claim has heightened concerns about the ongoing insurgency in the region and the increasing number of civilian casualties.
Hyelsinta Hassan