Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno state has confirmed the killing of 35 youths by the Islamic State West African Province (ISWAP) terrorists in Kala/Balge Council.
The youths were killed, while they were scavenging for steel scraps in some of the abandoned border villages with Cameroon last Sunday.
Spokesman to the Governor, Isa Gusau, stated yesterday (Wednesday) in Maiduguri, that 14 bodies were recovered.
He said that six youths were injured, while others escaped unhurt in the border communities with Cameroon.
Lamenting the incessant attack, he said: “Governor Babagana Umara Zulum is very disturbed by the unfortunate killing of fellow citizens at the weekend.
“Pending a full report, the Governor was briefed by the Majority Leader of Borno State House of Assembly, Mohammed Dige, who represents Kala-Balge where the victims hailed from.”
Besides, he noted that the youths were not farmers, but enterprising young men engaged in gathering metals popularly called ‘Kayan Ajaokuta’ which are sold as raw materials for steel production.
Continuing, he said that the victims were said to have gone to a deserted Mudu village in Dikwa LGA, 45 kilometers from Rann, the council headquarters in search raw materials of steel.
He said that soldiers, alongside the Chairman of Kala-Balge LGA, on Tuesday, recovered 14 bodies of victims who were apparently tied and shot at close range.
“Governor Zulum shares deeply the pains of bereaved families and the good people of Kala-Balge,” said Gusau, as the governor is awaiting full report by Thursday before necessary measures are taken.
