At least seven people have been confirmed dead and many others wounded following a brutal attack by suspected Boko Haram terrorists on mourners in Kopl Village, Chibok Local Government Area of Borno State.
The deadly ambush occurred around 6 p.m. on Monday as villagers gathered to offer final prayers for a deceased loved one. The attackers stormed the solemn gathering and opened fire, leaving the mourners no time to react.
Chairman of Chibok LGA, Hon. Modu Mustapha, confirmed the tragedy and said the injured victims had been evacuated to Mubi General Hospital in neighbouring Adamawa State. He warned that the death toll could rise as search-and-rescue efforts continue.
A mass burial for the victims is scheduled for Tuesday.
The attack came just hours after another deadly assault along the Gamboru Ngala-Kala Balge Road, where dozens of commuters were killed and injured in an explosion triggered by Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) planted by suspected insurgents.
Senator Ali Ndume, representing Southern Borno Senatorial District, expressed outrage over the continued violence, citing the loss of over ten vigilantes in a separate ambush near the Borno-Adamawa border.
“The suffering of my people is unimaginable,” Ndume said. “In the last month alone, more than 100 people have been killed in coordinated attacks across several communities. These attacks are relentless.”
Authorities have reiterated their commitment to combatting terrorism and restoring peace to the region, which has endured over a decade of insurgency and violence.