The death toll in last Wednesday Bama attack in Borno state, has risen to 100, the committee set up by Governor Kashim Shettima to assess the effect of the Boko Haram insurgency on the area has revealed.
The governor disclosed this in Bama town yesterday at the Shehu of Bama’s palace when he paid a scheduled sympathy and inspection visit to the town in company of some of his cabinet members.
In its own estimation, the civilian JTF further confirmed to the governor that about 98 people lost their lives in the attack.
And in sympathy with the people over the colossal loss of lives and property, the governor announced additional release of N200 million instantly to the N100 million he had earlier released to the committee last Wednesday for immediate disbursement to the victims.
He appealed to the people of Bama to consider the unfortunate incident as an act of God. While condoling with the Shehu and the entire people of the area, he urged them to bear the loss and prayed for the gentle souls of those that lost their lives.
The governor also implored the people to remain prayerful for peace to reign and God to bring an end to the insurgency.
He also assured residents of the town of government’s support, saying “we will continue to assist and play our role no matter the gravity of the insurgency in providing you with the basic amenities and facilities as a responsive government despite all odds.”
The governor pointed out that leadership comes from God who sees, controls and has knowledge of all things. Governor Shettima donated three diesel four wheel drive pickup vans to the three vigilante groups in Bama and an undisclosed cash donation apart from other gestures to security operatives in the area.
He urged the committee to do a thorough job and repose the confidence government and people of Bama have on them , while commending both the military and civilian JTF as well as other volunteer organizations in the town for their effort at restoring peace to the area.
Shettima further pledged to ensure quick rebuilding of the burnt major market of the commercial town which was also set on fire last year by the insurgents but rebuilt by the state government, only to be set ablaze again.
In another development, Boko Haram insurgents have again attacked Malari village located 8 kilometers away from Maiduguri town burning 2 blocks of shopping complex and 20 houses and killing 2 people. They also set 2 vehicles on fire around 11.30 pm on Saturday.
Some survivors told the governor when he stopped over on his way from Bama to assess the extent of damage.
According to the villagers, when they sensed that it was the Boko Haram gunmen were the ones that caused the havoc, they ran into the bush and slept there while some ran to neighboring villages for safety.
The governor condoled with them and assured that government would give a helping hand to the villagers, while also calling for prayers for peace.
