Decomposing bodies still litter our community after terrorist attack – Survivors of Yobe massacre

Survivors of last Sunday’s terrorist attack on Babbangida community in the Tarmuwa Local Government Area of Yobe State have recounted their horrific experiences.

The attack, which claimed the lives of about 100 people and left many injured, Sunday PUNCH gathered, was carried out by gunmen on motorcycles, who stormed the village, unleashing mayhem on unsuspecting residents.

It was gathered that before opening fire, the insurgents issued a stern warning, accusing the villagers of providing information to security agencies about terrorist activities in the area. Following this, they selected some residents and executed them.

Although the Yobe State Police confirmed 34 deaths, it has been revealed that many bodies remain undiscovered, while others were seen decomposing in nearby bushes.

Some survivors, who spoke anonymously to Sunday PUNCH to avoid being identified and targeted, reported the presence of decomposing bodies in the neighbouring Mafa village.

They called on the state government to take immediate action to prevent an outbreak of disease in the community.

Leading the Friday funeral rites for the deceased, an Islamic cleric, Mallam Abdulrahman Babbangida, prayed for the repose of the victims’ souls and encouraged the survivors to maintain their faith and pray for an end to the ongoing violence.

A humanitarian volunteer, Garba Bulama, while recounting his ordeal, said, “The attackers assembled the villagers, accused them of informing security agencies about their activities, and then began to kill them. Most of those killed were adult males and were slaughtered in front of their wives and children.  The attackers spared the women and children.”

A retired Islamic teacher at Babbangida, Mohammed Audu, said the incident was beyond comprehension, adding that only God could pass judgment.

“We helped prepare the bodies for burial when security operatives brought them to Babbangida General Hospital; 37 bodies were buried, and more may be found if the search continues,” he said.

Audu also suggested that compensation from the government could help alleviate the suffering of the victims’ families and urged them to accept any compensation offered.

It was learnt that the head of Mafa village, Mai Gana Lawan, had been housing many of the displaced persons and providing for their needs with support from various sources.

A N30m fund was provided by the state government, a member of the House of Representatives, Hajiya Khadija Bukar Ibrahim, and the Director General of the Bureau for Public Procurement, Ismael Mai Adamu, who is a native of the area.

Meanwhile, efforts to speak with the village head were unsuccessful, as he was said to be out of town when our correspondent visited.

Our attackers set us on fire – Survivor

Mallam Ibrahim Mafa, who was among those that fled to safety, suffered serious burns during the attack and is currently receiving treatment at Babbangida General Hospital.

When asked what happened, he was only able to say, “It was the attackers who set us on fire.”

Call for compensation

Survivors of the attack called on the government to compensate them for their losses to help ease the suffering.

“We implore the government to consider our situation, especially for those who have lost everything,” one survivor appealed.

They also requested government assistance to recover their farm produce, which they stressed was their only remaining source of sustenance, and emphasised the need for a secure environment to harvest crops in the future.

Families displaced by the attack have expressed gratitude for the hospitality shown to them by the people of Babbangida.

“We are grateful for the accommodation, food, and other provisions extended to us, but we need more help,” one survivor said.

They also appealed to the public for help, citing the growing number of displaced families from Mafa and surrounding villages.

“In Babbangida, one can find 10, 20, or even 50 people staying together. We can only pray that God rewards those providing for us,” they said.