The attack occurred on Sunday, September 3, 2024 in Yobe state, Nigeria. Around 150 suspected Boko Haram militants equipped with rifles and rocket-propelled grenades were involved in the attack. They arrived on more than 50 motorcycles. Initial reports indicated at least 80 deaths, but reports suggest the toll could be higher with some estimates exceeding 100.
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The Boko Haram militants launched their attack around 4:00 PM, targeting a local market. They opened fire on civilians, set shops and houses ablaze, and chased fleeing residents into the surrounding bushland.
According to Abdulkarim Dungus, a spokesperson for the Yobe state police, the attack was likely a retaliatory act. It was purportedly in response to the killing of two Boko Haram members by local vigilantes from the village.
Nigerian military forces attempted to reach Mafa following the attack. The route to the village was reportedly rigged with explosives. Upon arrival, they recovered 37 bodies, which were transported to Babangida General Hospital.
The attack occurred in the Tarmuwa council area of Yobe State. More than 50 Boko Haram militants armed with rifles and rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs) stormed the village on motorcycles.
They targeted a local market, worshippers and private residences, killing indiscriminately and setting numerous buildings on fire.
Reports from local community leaders confirmed 102 deaths. However the Yobe Deputy Governor, Idi Barde Gubana reported a lower death toll of 34.
The deputy governor’s figures were based on the number of bodies buried in a single village, while other victims were either buried before officials arrived or were taken to other locations for burial.
The aftermath of the attack saw a massive funeral for the victims. Trucks carried the wrapped bodies of those killed to their final resting place.
Boko Haram has been waging an insurgency in Nigeria since 2009 aiming to establish a state governed by its radical interpretation of Islamic law (Sharia). The group’s violent campaign has led to the death of at least 35,000 people and displaced over 2 million.
Over the years, Boko Haram has splintered into various factions each continuing its campaign of terror. These factions have worked in collaboration with other armed groups such as the Islamic State of West Africa Province and local criminal gangs known as bandits.
The violence has become so pervasive that many areas in northeastern Nigeria are outside the control of the Nigerian military.
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The militants claimed the attack was in retaliation for villagers informing security operatives about their activities leading to the death of several Boko Haram members. Such reprisals are common in the region, where villagers often pay the price for cooperating with security forces.
Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu condemned the attack but did not announce any new security measures. Tinubu has faced criticism for his security policies.
Security experts have pointed out that the Nigerian military’s presence in many affected areas is limited to temporary operations. They do not have enough manpower to maintain a permanent presence.
The military’s challenges are by the difficult terrain and the militants’ tactics such as rigging routes with explosives, which hamper their operations.
The US has urged the Nigerian government to intensify efforts to address the root causes of the conflict including criminality and the lack of justice for victims.
The violence has created a massive displacement crisis in Nigeria. As of 2023, there are 3.4 million internally displaced persons (IDPs) in the country, up from 1.1 million in 2014.
The displaced live in dire conditions in overcrowded camps with limited access to basic necessities like food, hygiene and healthcare.
Boko Haram has waged a violent insurgency in northeastern Nigeria for over 15 years. The group emerged with a radical Islamist agenda, seeking to establish a strict interpretation of Islamic law in the region.
The insurgency has led to the deaths of more than 40,000 people and displaced over 2 million others.
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