Blood Bath in Borno: 185 killed in Army, Boko Haram Clash

What may rightly be considered the worst bloodshed since terrorism became real in Nigeria  a few years ago  has been recorded in Borno State where a clash between  gunmen suspected to be Boko Haram members  and the military left 185 dead in a single day. The Village Head of Baga, Kukawa Local Government Area,  Mallam Ali, who gave the figure while briefing Governor Kashim Shettima on Monday, added that  2,000 houses, 62  vehicles and  486 motorcycles were either burnt or vandalised during the clash in the early hours of Saturday. The Presidency which on Monday  ordered investigation into the incident, however, said it believed the figures might have been “grossly exaggerated.” Authorities of the Defence Headquarters, Abuja had before the Presidency’s comment, put the casualty figure at 25. Shettima, who was on an assessment tour of the village and other affected areas, announced a cash donation of N5m  and  relief materials to the victims. He said his  government would also pay the medical bills of those injured. He said, “We are going to convey those with serious injuries to Maiduguri for further medical attention at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital. Others will be taken to the Umaru Shehu Specialist Hospital for proper care. ’’He expressed sadness over the incident and urged the residents of the affected areas to take it as an act of Allah. The Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mallam Isa Gusau,  later issued a statement in which the  state   Ministry of Works  was directed by the governor  to start the reconstruction of the burnt houses.