Attacks by insurgents in North East have taken another dimension as the suspected terrorists now send letters notifying their victims of their intention.
An official of Mafa Local Government Council, where the terrorists attacked on Monday, Mallam Bulama Mala, told newsmen that the residents received a letter earlier last week from the terrorist informing the residents that they would attack the town.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that terrorists made good their promise in the early hours, on Monday attacking the town and leaving scores dead.
“We received a letter from the attackers that they were coming since last week.
“So the LGA decided to relocate the students of Government Girls Secondary School Mafa to Maiduguri for safety,” Mala said.
He said that most workers in the area fled to Maiduguri following the letter.
“We thought that the attackers will not come again but unfortunately they came,” Mala said.
NAN reports that at least, 29 persons were killed in the attack.
Eyewitnesses told newsmen in Maiduguri that the attack took place between 4:00 a.m and 7:00 a.m.
One of the residents, Sheikh Modu Bukar, told newsmen that the attackers invaded the area on motorbikes.
“They came on about 20 motorbikes with each carrying three persons. Some of them were carrying sophisticated guns, while others carried bombs.
“While those carrying guns shot at individuals, others threw bombs into houses,” Bukar said.
He said 29 corpses were buried around 12: 00 p.m.
“Twenty nine persons were buried at the Mafa Central Mosque today, they included 28 males and one female.
“About 50 persons were also injured and have been evacuated to the Specialist Hospital Maiduguri,” Bukar said.
He also said that: “90 per cent of the buildings in the area have also been destroyed by the attackers using petrol bombs and Improvised Explosive Devise (IED).”
Sen. Ahmed Zannah who represents Borno Central Senatorial Zone at the Senate corroborated Mala on the attack describing it as unfortunate.
Alhaji Lawan Tanko the Borno Police Commissioner confirmed the attack but said he was yet to receive details on the attack. (NAN)
