Yobe: ISWAP claims responsibility for deadly attack, 34 dead
The Islamic State in West Africa Province (ISWAP) has claimed responsibility for the recent attack in Tarmuwa Local Government Area of Yobe State, which resulted in the deaths of 34 villagers.
On Sunday afternoon, around 4 p.m., the terrorists launched an assault on Mafa town, killing numerous residents and setting fire to houses and businesses.
In a letter written in Arabic and disseminated by the insurgents, ISWAP justified the attack as retaliation for alleged collaboration between the villagers and the military, which they claimed led to the deaths of their members, as reported by Daily Trust.
The letter addressed the leaders, mukhtars, and residents of Mafa and surrounding villages, stating:
“This is a message from the soldiers of the Caliphate in the West Africa Province. We have refrained from harming you or disrupting your activities, such as agriculture or trade, as long as you did not interfere with our operations. However, you have supported the enemies of our faith and cooperated with them in the killing of our members. We initially targeted only those directly responsible, hoping this would deter further aggression.”
The letter continued, accusing the villagers of continuing their cooperation with their enemies and criticising their actions as a cause of the recent violence.
In response to the tragedy, a mass burial for the 34 victims was conducted on Tuesday in Babban Gida, the headquarters of Tarmuwa LGA. The funeral prayer took place at the palace of Mai Jajere, led by Ustas Hudu Mohammed Yusuf, Chief Imam of the Yobe Mosque and Islamic Center.
Governor Mai Mala Buni, who was in Abuja attending a meeting with the Chief of Defense Staff to review the state’s security situation, was represented by his Deputy, Hon. Idi Barde Gubana. Gubana extended the government’s condolences to the Emir of Jajere and the families of the deceased. He also announced a donation of 30 million Naira to the families of the victims and injured individuals, and directed the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) to provide food and relief materials.
The Deputy Governor condemned the insurgents’ actions as heinous and inhumane, urging continued prayers for peace in the region and throughout Yobe State.
