Death toll rises to 16, more than 60 injured, as survivors recount their ordeals

… As FG begins the trial of 5,000 Boko Haram suspects

… The minister condemns the attack

By Ndahi marama & Joseph Erunke

Victims of Borno Haram’s attack on Maiduguri on Tuesday evening yesterday recounted their ordeal, as the death toll rose to 16, with more than 60 injured in hospitals receiving treatment.

This came as the federal government announced that it would soon begin the trial of as many as 5,000 Boko Haram suspects.

Meanwhile, Governor Babagana Zulum revealed early yesterday that 10 people had died in the attack, while 47 had been injured, but by noon the death toll had risen to 16.

A survivor from Kaleri / Adam Kolo, one of the densely populated areas affected by the attack in the metropolis, Alhaji Musa Kolomi, 71, said: “We were seated just before the magrib (evening) prayers, when we saw something (rocket) happen. from afar and he fell in the middle of the road. It tore the car that was parked there to pieces and those of us who were there were hit by the impact of the explosion.

A man carrying a carpet to go to the mosque was shot and his skull was cut open and he died instantly. Then the rest of us got hurt. My leg was injured, while two boys shot in the head were rushed to Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, UMTH. ”

Another survivor of Gwange, Abubakar Mohammed, said: “I was standing right outside my house in Layin bori, near the COCIN church, when something that looked like a rocket landed in front of me. There were several of us there, some people were even killed instantly. ”

Efforts to speak with some of the survivors being treated at the hospitals failed as the Vanguard correspondent who visited two of the hospitals was not allowed in.

Most of the victims were in emergency and intensive care units accessible only to health workers on call.

Governor Zulum, during his empathetic visits to the State Specialized Hospital and Maiduguri University Hospital, both in Maiduguri earlier yesterday, told reporters 10 people died in the attack , while 47 were injured.

The governor learned that some of the victims had suffered varying degrees of injuries and were being treated, for which he ordered the Department of Health to take care of their bills.

According to him, “Indeed, it is a very sad moment for the people and the government of Borno State, around 60 people have been affected, of which 10 have died. This was as a result of long-range gunfire from the insurgents. I think this is a new trend that we need to stand up and stop it. We experienced a similar incident exactly one year ago. The solution is to deploy appropriate technology, which we will have to work on. I share the pain of all who are affected. We don’t just visit hospitals, we do so much behind the scenes in our combined responses to the Boko Haram insurgency and we will continue to make these efforts and more.

On the military takeover of Marte, seized by Boko Haram terrorists days ago, Governor Zulum said he was not only happy, but optimistic that the Nigerian military will work, must maintain, continue its efforts. consolidation of peace and stability so as to ensure that the insurgents never took over Marte or any part of the state.

“I am optimistic that the insurgents will not take over Marte,” Zulum said.

Trial of 5,000 Boko Haram suspects

In the meantime, on the planned trial of Boko Haram suspects in detention centers across the country, the director general of the Legal Aid Council, Aliyu Abubakar, revealed the developments during a courtesy visit. to the Governor of Borno Babagana Zulum at the Government House, Maiduguri.

According to Abubakar, the Giwa, Maiduguri and Kainji barracks were among the establishments where the suspects were held for their alleged involvement in the activities of the Boko Haram sect.

He said the trial would be conducted by the Federation Attorney General’s Office, Office of National Security Advisers, in conjunction with the Lafiya Dole Theater Command Operation, while the Legal Aid Council was mandated to ensure the defense of detainees.

According to him, the legal aid team had already interviewed 283 suspects as part of efforts to establish their involvement in terrorism and understand the nature of the crime they committed.

Abubakar said, “As a defense lawyer, we have to question them every now and then so that we can get to know their own part of the story. Because whatever crimes they have committed, it is possible that out of hundreds you will find that one or two people are innocent.

“It is necessary that they are represented by this council to ensure that all the requirements of the law are met. All evidence must be presented against them in court so that those found guilty can be prosecuted. As long as everyone is aware of the nature of the crime they have committed, under our laws they are innocent until proven guilty. “

In response, Governor Zulum, represented by his deputy, said the government was ready to partner with the federal government to fulfill its mandate and commended the council for its legal support to the people of the state.

Minister condemns attack

Reacting to the attack, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Sadiya Farouq, condemned the attacks on residents, killing several people.

In a statement by her special media assistant, Nneka Ikem Anibeze, the minister described the insurgent action as not only wicked and inhuman, but also callous.

The statement read: “The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Sadiya Umar Farouq, condemned the insurgent attacks on residents of Borno State which left 10 dead and 47 injured.

“Boko Haram insurgents fired rocket-propelled grenades from Kaleri on the outskirts of Maiduguri on Tuesday evening.

“Two densely populated communities of Gwange and Adam Kolo, including a children’s playground, have been mostly affected by the pomegranate. I fully condemn the attacks on innocent residents of Gwange and Adam Kolo commutes. “

“The humanitarian ministry through its NEMA agency is already working with SEMA to assess the extent of the damage in the attacked communities with a view to possible provision of relief and non-humanitarian items.”

Vanguard News Nigeria

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