Survivors of the Boko Haram terrorist attack on a mosque in Mafa, Tarmuwa Local Government Area of Yobe State have shared their traumatic experiences following the massacre that claimed the lives of at least 100 civilians. The attack occurred last Sunday around 4 p.m., as worshippers were concluding their Asir prayers. The terrorists, who had separated the elderly and herdsmen from the rest of the congregation, opened fire on the worshippers.
Of the 87 bodies initially recovered from the scene, 34 were taken to Babbangida General Hospital for burial, while over 50 decomposed bodies were given a mass burial the following day. The village of Mafa, located near the home of the late Boko Haram leader Sheikh Abubakar Shekau, has been left in a state of fear and abandonment.
One survivor, speaking anonymously, recounted narrowly escaping the attack. “I was lucky to leave the mosque early. I saw the insurgents waiting; one of them shouted for me to go back, but I ran away,” he said. He reported that 87 corpses were counted after the terrorists left, with more bodies found as people fled into the bush. Unfortunately, there were no security operatives present at the scene during or after the attack.
Another survivor, Mallam Ali Isiaka, who attended the burial, revealed that he lost a son in the attack. Isiaka, a farmer, expressed concern over the safety of the villagers, many of whom have abandoned their farmlands and properties out of fear of further violence. “Most of our people here are farmers and herders. After the incident, many fled the village, leaving behind their crops and belongings,” he said. He called on the government and security agencies to provide adequate protection and support for Mafa and the surrounding areas.
Currently, Mafa village remains deserted as residents fear additional attacks by the insurgents.
Writtten By: Blossom Kugbere