150 Not 2000 Killed In Boko Haram Attack............Military

Human lives are sacred and should not be taken by another. Regardless of the social or economic state of a person, no one deserves to be victims of another.

Terrorism in Nigeria has risen beyond comprehension, it's a sad and befuddled state of things, the security forces seem to be lost as to where to start the battle from, they also loose men and women in this bizarre battle with a group that seem to have no other ideology than the fact that they enjoy killing innocent people.

Be that as it may, it's even sadder when we have to debate the number of victims, 150 as against 2000, it's a sad and shameful state of affairs, the military spokesperson in a press briefing in Abuja on Monday stated that there were only 150 people killed in  Baga, the headquarters of the Multi-National Joint Task Force on January 3 and not 2000 as being touted in the news. 

150 0r 2000, nobody deserves to die that way. Speaking,The Director of Defence Information, Maj. Gen. Chris Olukolade, said that 150 people including a large number of members of the Boko Haram sect were killed in the confrontation.

 In his words, Olukolade said:

“…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 neighboring towns have been under a series of attacks and harassment by the 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 claim to be eyewitnesses must be an extremely exaggerated estimate.

 Unfortunately, this figure is now being bandied about in a section of the media as if it has been authenticated. It cannot be true,” 

Olukolade went on and said that the military had embarked on a lot of covert operations including aerial surveillance activities designed to prevent the terrorists from carrying out heinous acts against innocent Nigerians.

The Defence spokesman showed video clips of movement within and around Baga during the incidents.

Olukolade stressed that while it was important to report incidents that would bring out the acts perpetrated by the Boko Haram sect, such reports should be factual.

“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,” he added

The Defence spokesman said that the military had not given up on Baga or any other part of the country and was indeed making preparations to address the security challenge.

*** Nigerians go to the poll very soon and it's only right that you make your own decision and exercise your civic duties, there is no other power than that. Get your PVC and vote. Your vote is your right.