By Sanni Onogu, Abuja and Duku Joel, Maiduguri
The bodies of 14 youths killed in Borno State at the weekend have been recovered.
They were tied and shot at close range by terrorists, according to Special Adviser to Governor Babagana Zulum on Media and Strategy, Malam Isa Gusau.
He said 32 people were killed in the attack.
He said in a statement: “Governor Zulum is very disturbed by the unfortunate killing of fellow citizens at the weekend.
“Pending a full report, the governor was briefed by the Majority Leader of Borno State House of Assembly, Mohammed Dige, who represents Kala-Balge where the victims hailed from.
“From the lawmaker’s briefing, a total of 32 youths are believed to have been killed by the insurgents.
“The youths were not farmers but highly enterprising young men engaged in gathering metals popularly called ‘Kayan Ajaokuta’ which are sold as raw materials for steel production.
“The victims were said to have gone to a deserted Mudu village, 45 kilometres away from Dikwa in search of the raw materials.
“In the process, they were unfortunately ambushed by the insurgents. Six persons were injured during the ambush while two escaped unhurt.
“A team of soldiers, alongside the Chairman of Kala-Balge LGA, on Tuesday, recovered 14 bodies of victims who were apparently tied and shot at close range.”
Senate President Ahmad Lawan put off all his political engagements to mourn the villagers killed by the terrorists in Borno state on Sunday.
He had already scheduled some engagements yesterday, one of which was to meet with the All Progressives Congress (APC) leaders and delegates in Borno state.
He was also scheduled to proceed from Maiduguri to Gombe also to meet party leaders and particularly the delegates to canvas support for his Presidential bid ahead of the upcoming primaries of the APC. Lawan decided to put off all his political engagements for the day on account of the tragic incident and instead proceeded to Maiduguri only on a condolence visit.