Zamfara Massacre: Death Toll Hits 200

Death toll in weekend’s massacre in Unguwar Galadima community in Zamfara State, yesterday, hit 200.

This came as governor of the state, Abdulaziz Yari, who visited the village, yesterday, broke down in tears on sighting corpses of women, children and other residents of the village littering every part of the village. Our correspondent said the governor and other officials participated in the burial of 79 people killed in the attack by the cattle rustlers.

A survivor of the weekend’s massacre, yesterday, confirmed counting 61 bodies even as the corpses were buried in mass graves.

This came as no fewer than 25 people, including politicians who were on their way to Maiduguri, the Borno State capital to attend the All Progressives Congress, APC, stakeholders meeting/congress were slaughtered by suspected Boko Haram terrorists in separate attacks in Gwoza council area and along the Maiduguri‑ Biu road.

A Nigerian soldier has also alleged that some military commanders were mercenaries of the Boko Haram sect and were paid by its sponsors. Military spokesman, Major General Chris Olukolade, however denied the allegation.

30 people killed —Police

On the Zamfara massacre, Police spokesman, Mr Lawal Abdullahi, said that “30 people were killed and several others injured” in the attack.

According to him, “the incident happened in Galadima  during a meeting of community leaders and representatives of vigilante groups who were discussing ways to thwart armed robbers and cattle rustlers.

One of the survivors who simply gave his name as Babangida from neighbouring Kaduna, said more than 61 people died in the attack.

According to him, “we counted 61 bodies from the scene of the attack last night, while many people were wounded and I was lucky to escape.”

He implored the security forces to stem incessant attacks by Fulani rustlers on villages in the area.

Our reporter, however, said he counted up to 250 bodie that littered the community.