Boko Haram Strikes Again, Leave 37 Dead in Yobe

On Sunday, a brutal attack by suspected Boko Haram insurgents claimed the lives of dozens of villagers in Mafa, a remote area of Yobe State, northeastern Nigeria. Armed militants, estimated to be around 150, descended on the village on more than 50 motorcycles, opening fire on residents, burning homes, and destroying shops. The assault, which occurred in the late afternoon, was reportedly in retaliation for the recent killing of two Boko Haram members by local vigilantes.

Eyewitnesses and local officials have given varying death tolls, with the state government confirming 34 deaths. However, villagers and community leaders reported that over 100 people were killed, with many bodies buried before authorities could arrive. Additional bodies were found in the surrounding areas during a search-and-rescue operation led by the Nigerian Army, supported by local vigilantes. So far, 37 corpses have been transported to Babangida General Hospital, while others were buried locally by relatives.

The insurgents, armed with rifles and rocket-propelled grenades, set fire to homes and businesses, forcing residents to flee. A police spokesman noted that the village was riddled with explosives, which the military managed to defuse.

The Deputy Governor of Yobe State, Idi Barde Gubana, visited the community, offering N30 million in compensation to the victims' families. Despite the government's official casualty figure, reports from local leaders suggest that many victims were buried before authorities arrived, fueling a wide discrepancy in the death toll.

The Nigerian government has faced ongoing criticism for its response to Boko Haram’s insurgency, which has devastated the northeast for over 15 years. Despite efforts to quell the violence, attacks like the one in Mafa continue to highlight the vulnerability of rural communities. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has condemned the attack, but analysts argue that his administration has yet to take bold steps to resolve the ongoing conflict.

As the village mourns its dead, the Nigerian military is continuing operations in the area to prevent further attacks. However, the fear of reprisals remains high in many communities across the region, as Boko Haram militants continue their campaign of violence against both military and civilian targets