TERRORISM: Defence HQ puts deathtoll from Baga attack at 150

ABUJA — Defence Headquarters, yesterday, said that contrary to
reports in foreign media that over 2,000 persons were killed by
Boko Haram terrorists when they attacked the headquarters of the
multi-national Joint Task Force in Baga, Borno State, not more
than 150 persons were killed.
Director of Defence Information, Major General Chris Olukolade, at
a briefing in Abuja, said: “As you might be aware, there was
another terror attack on the town of Baga in Borno State last week
which left a number of people dead.
“Following that unfortunate attack, a lot of speculations and
conjectures have been peddled by a section of the press
particularly the on-line media regarding the casualty rate.
“Some claimed that over a thousand people were killed while
others wrote with certainty that 2,000 lost their lives in that singular
attack.
“Without any doubt, terrible atrocities have been committed
against innocent Nigerians in Baga by the rampaging terrorists
who attacked and have been operating in the town since January
3, 2015.
“Necessary actions are being taken to put an end to the activities
of the terrorists and restore law and order to the community.
“To this end, a lot of covert operations including surveillance
activities which recorded series of aerial photographs are ongoing
in that vicinity. It is, however, necessary to inform Nigerians in
the interim that the exercise so far has not corroborated the report
on the casualty rate which was put at 2,000.
“From all available evidences, the number of people who lost their
lives during that attack has so far not exceeded about 150 in the
interim. This figure includes many of the terrorists who were
bearing arms and got killed in the course of their attack and battle
with troops.
“It should be noted that Baga and the neighbouring towns have
been under series of attacks and harassment by terrorists. In the
course of this, many residents have left, leaving the population in
the town almost seriously depleted. Many were also able to
escape while the terrorists’ battle with troops lasted.
“The figure given by sources who claimed to be eye-witnesses
must be an extremely exaggerated  estimate. Unfortunately, this
figure is now being bandied in a section of the media as if it has
been authenticated. It cannot be true. “It is pertinent to once
again urge the media to be circumspect in adopting casualty
figures, especially the ones given to them by the so-called eye-
witnesses, who in most cases, are influenced by their own
perspectives.
“In any case, this is no time to debate about casualty figures or
number of deaths as the life of any Nigerian is important.
“Much as the intention which could be with the aim of drawing
attention to the atrocities being committed by terrorists group in
Nigeria is most welcome, the need for factual presentation of the
situation is equally vital.
“In case the aim of this misinformation is to further the design of
those bent on discrediting the government and the military, all well-
meaning people should consider it as a disservice to humanity.”
You might also like
Woman, 57, dies in 60-yr-old lover’s apartment »