Boko Haram: I admit, terrorists control many parts of Borno – Governor Zulum

 

Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, on Sunday, admitted that the dreaded Islamic sect, Boko Haram exists in many parts of the state and are threat to over six million people in the state.

The governor said the presence of the deadly sect still holding on Sambisa forest and the Lake Chad regions in northern Borno is worrisome.

The governor, who was speaking to farmers and fishermen after he attended the burial of 43 farmers killed by the insurgents on Sunday, said though his administration has launched a security outfit called ‘Agric -Ranchers’, which comprise military, paramilitary and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force and local Hunter, there is the need for collective responsibility especially from the parts of the Federal Government.

He also said governments of border countries of Chad, Niger and Cameroon Republic should work with the Nigerian government to address the lingering crisis in the region.

The governor lamented with regret the escalating killings perpetrated by armed insurgents in some parts of the state and assured that his administration will soon recruit additional Civilian Joint Task Force to complement efforts of the security operatives in the fight against Boko Haram.

“What happened in Koshobe community yesterday, is very sad and I can admit that the dreaded Boko Haram sect are still existing strongly in many parts of our state,” Governor Zulum said.

- DAILY POST

New COVID tiers 'have a sunset of 3 February', says PM

 

Boris Johnson has said the new coronavirus tiers have "a sunset" clause - or expiry date - of 3 February, as he tries to fight off a backlash from Tory MPs.

The prime minister has angered some of his party with a plan to impose stringent restrictions across much of England when the national lockdown ends on Wednesday.

In a letter to colleagues ahead of a Commons vote on the restrictions on Tuesday, Mr Johnson insisted the tiered measures for local areas will be reviewed every fortnight.

"Regulations have a sunset of 3 February," he writes.

"After the fourth fortnightly review (27 January), parliament will have another vote on the tiered approach, determining whether the measures stay in place until the end of March."

Mr Johnson said the first review on 16 December would consider the views of local directors of public health, with a final decision on whether any areas should change tiers made at a cabinet committee.

The changes would then come into effect on 19 December.

In a further olive branch to MPs, the PM committed to publish more data and outline what circumstances need to change for an area to move down a tier, as well analysis of the health, economic and social impacts of the measures taken to suppress coronavirus.

Writing in the Mail on Sunday, Mr Johnson warned there will be "disastrous consequences" for the NHS without the introduction of new tiered coronavirus restrictions.

He wrote: "We are so nearly out of our captivity. We can see the sunlit upland pastures ahead. But if we try to jump the fence now, we will simply tangle ourselves in the last barbed wire, with disastrous consequences for the NHS.

"So let's do the job properly. Let's work together, and with tiering, testing and vaccines let's make 2021 the year we kick COVID out, take back control of our lives and reclaim all the things we love."

Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab, appearing on Sky News' Sophy Ridge on Sunday show, said the new tiered restrictions were necessary to "bear down" on COVID-19.

"The reality is that we want to come out of national lockdown and stay out of it," he said.

"We are starting with a more restrictive approach than previously with the localised approach, but that allows us to ease up when we are confident the virus is going down and stabilised - there's a review every two weeks."

In another broadcast interview, Mr Raab told the BBC's Andrew Marr Show there was a "risk" of a third wave of coronavirus infections "if we don't get the balance right".

And he refused to rule out a third national lockdown in England if there was another spike in cases in the New Year.

"We're doing everything we can to avoid that," he said.

According to a tally by Sky News, more than 60 Tory MPs have voiced their unhappiness over tiering or have said they are unlikely to support the measures when it comes to the vote.

Some 99% of England's population will fall under the two toughest tiers when the second national lockdown ends.

About 32 million people - covering 57.3% of England - will fall into Tier 2, and 23.3 million people - 41.5% of the population - are going to be placed in Tier 3.

Only the Isle of Wight, Cornwall, and the Isles of Scilly will be under the lightest Tier 1 controls, while large swathes of the Midlands, North East and North West are in the most restrictive Tier 3.

Several Tories have said they will vote against the new tiers next week, including 1922 Committee chairman Sir Graham Brady, Bournemouth East MP Tobias Ellwood and Poole MP Sir Robert Syms.

Steve Baker, deputy chairman of the COVID Recovery Group which has been critical of lockdown restrictions, said the "authoritarianism at work today is truly appalling".

"The government must publish its analysis of the impact interventions are likely to have on controlling COVID, as well as the non-COVID health impact and the impact on society, people's livelihoods and businesses," he said.

Sir Roger Gale, MP for the Kent constituency of North Thanet, criticised the decision to place all of the county in Tier 3, telling Sky News he fears people will "skip over the boundary" to go to a nearby pub in Tier 2.

But Chris Hopson, chief executive of NHS Providers, urged MPs to think what the NHS might be like in January, saying: "You need to take the precautions now to ensure that the NHS doesn't get overwhelmed at what is always its busiest time of year."

Another 479 coronavirus deaths in the UK were announced on Saturday, taking the total to 58,030.

- SKY NEWS

Boko Haram: At least 110 civilians ruthlessly killed in Borno – UN

 The United Nations on Sunday added its voice to many calling and condemning the barbaric act perpetrated on innocent farmers at Koshobe village of Mafa Local Government Area of Borno State in the northeast Nigeria.

The UN also may have decided not to keep mum on the killings revealing that, at least 110 civilians were ruthlessly killed and many others were wounded in this attack.

Speaking for the UN, Mr. Edward Kallon, Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria says he is outraged and horrified by the gruesome attack against civilians carried out by non-state armed groups in villages near Borno State capital Maiduguri.

His words: “In early afternoon of 28 November, armed men on motorcycles led a brutal attack on civilian men and women who were harvesting their fields in Koshobe and other rural communities in Jere Local Government Area. Reports we are receiving are indicating these innocent farmers were the victims of this callous violence.

“I extend my sincere condolences to the families of the civilians who lost their lives in this atrocious attack. I also wish a speedy recovery to those who were wounded in the incident.

“We have also received reports that several women may have been kidnapped. I call for their immediate release and return to safety. 

“My thoughts are also with the rural communities in the area, who are shocked by the brutality of yesterday’s attack and fear for their safety.” Mr Kallon said.

According to him, the entire UN system and the humanitarian community working to provide life-saving and development assistance to the most vulnerable in Borno State is outraged by the incident.

He said, such direct attacks against innocent civilians jeopardize the ability for the most vulnerable people to survive the adversity they are facing, and which the United Nations is striving to alleviate. 

“The incident is the most violent direct attack against innocent civilians this year. I call for the perpetrators of this heinous and senseless act to be brought to justice.

“It is unfortunately one of too many such attacks targeting farmers, fishermen and families who are trying to recover some livelihood opportunity after over a decade of conflict.

“I strongly condemn this attack and any act of violence against innocent civilians and I firmly urge all actors on the ground to respect international laws and humanity,” Mr. Kallon added

He observed that, rural communities in Borno State are facing untold hardships. 

“Helping them to farm land and rebuild livelihoods are amongst our priorities and the only way to avoid the looming food crisis in Borno State. They and all other civilians need to be protected and spared from any kind of violence.”

The humanitarian coordinator said, there is need for government and all actors in the humanitarian field to put its best to help victims of the crises who are mostly poor to survive challenges they are facing especially at this time when food insecurity in Borno state is high.

- DAILY POST

‘SARS victim’ narrates how he was thrown into the cell on his first day in Lagos

 Marc Chidebere Nwadi, a resident of Lagos, says he was detained and tortured by police officers hours after he arrived the state from the south-east in 1999.

Nwadi narrated his experience before the Lagos state judicial panel of inquiry and restitution for victims of the special anti-robbery squad (SARS) on Saturday.

According to him, he left Abia state in May 1999 to see his brother in Lagos.

The petitioner said he arrived Lagos around 8pm, but when he found out that his brother no longer lived at the address sent to him, he decided to meet an uncle at Ojuelegba for assistance.

“I arrived Lagos at 8pm and was heading to Desert Street, Egbeda. It was late, about 9:30pm. When I got there, I was told my brother no longer lived there. The new occupants (a barbershop) didn’t know my brother’s new address,” he said.

“I begged them to allow me sleep in the shop and I slept there till in the morning.

“I carried my Malboro bag with me, trying to get to Ojuelegba from Oshodi to meet an uncle who could help, then a van drove by.

“People ran, but I was confused and before I could react, I was grabbed, beaten, and my head was hit with the butt of a gun.

“When I asked what I did, I was beaten and later taken to Idimu police station along with others.”

Nwadi alleged that a policeman named Friday, asked him and others that were arrested to pay N100,000.

The petitioner said although he showed his bus ticket to the police officers, Friday tore the paper, kicked him in the stomach and pushed him back to the cell.

Nwadi alleged that one month after his arrest, he was told to bring N10,000 but since he had no money on him, he was taken to SARS office at Ikeja by a man he said was called “Enyeama”.

He claimed that after three months, he was taken to a nearby court where he was charged with armed robbery and sent to Kirikiri medium prison.

“After three years, I developed partial blindness and deafness from the slaps I received. I did not know that telling the police you have no money makes them more angry,” he added.

He also said Eric, a national youth service corps (NYSC) member who was serving at the Kirikiri prison, helped contact his family.

Nwadi also noted that he was linked to a missionary who worked towards ensuring that he was finally released in 2004, with help from the Catholic church.

Nwadi asked for justice from the panel, adding that he still bears physical and mental scars of that experience.

After cross-examination by the police counsel, his case was adjourned till December 11, 2020.

- THECABLE

Five arrested for robbing, kidnapping during vigil in Ogun CAC church

 

Officers of Ogun Police Command have arrested five members of a criminal gang who allegedly robbed members of a Christ Apostolic Church, CAC, situated at Gudugbe Alagbon area of Wasimi in Ewekoro local government area of the state recently.

Spokesperson for the Command, DSP Abimbola Oyeyemi, in a statement on Sunday said the suspects, Abubakar Ibrahim 38, Sulaiman Yusuf 32, Ismail Yusuf 20, Umar Aliu 26 and Yinusa Musa were arrested following a distress call made by Obisesan Seye,  the Shepard in charge of the church, that while vigil was going on in the church at about 1:30 am last Thursday, six men who were armed with dangerous weapons invaded the church and attacked the worshipers.

The robbers reportedly beat some of the worshipers to stupor before dispossessing them of their valuables and also abducted one Mrs Mojisola Atolagbe while leaving the church.

Upon the distress call, policemen attached to Ewekoro division swiftly moved to the scene, combed the forest where the robbers escaped to thoroughly and their efforts paid off when five of the six- member gang were apprehended in the bush.

 

Oyeyemi said the victims of the attack have identified all the arrested suspects, while the sixth one is being hunted for while the kidnapped person was rescued and taken to the hospital for treatment.

Items recovered from the suspects include one cutlass, two sharp pointed cudgels assorted dangerous charms.

Meanwhile, the commissioner of police CP Edward Awolowo Ajogun has ordered the immediate transfer of the suspects to the state criminal investigation and intelligence department for discreet investigation.

He also directed an extensive routine patrol across the state so as to assure members of the public that police in the state are on ground to ensure their safety.

- PM NEWS

Seven killed in fresh Kaduna attack

 

Seven people have been killed in a fresh crisis in Jama’a local government area of Kaduna state.

Four people were injured, while two children have been declared missing.

According to Samuel Aruwan, commissioner for internal security and home affairs, the incidents occurred on Saturday and Sunday.

He said there reprisals after one Isiyaka Saidu, a herder, was killed by unknown persons at Ungwan Pah village in Jema’a LGA.

“The Kaduna State Government has received a report of killing and counter killing in Jema’a local government area of the state,” he said.

“The state government condemns these attacks and the loss of lives and has directed security agencies to investigate and arrest all persons involved in the criminal actions.”

According to Aruwan, the state government received the operational feedback from the military under the auspices of Operation Safe Haven (OPSH) highlighting the unfortunate incidents.
He said Nasir el-Rufai, the governor, has also directed the military and police to accelerate investigation and ensure diligent prosecution of those responsible for the killing.

“The military on Saturday, 28th November 2020, reported to the government that one herder, Isiyaka Saidu of Ungwan Pah village of Jema’a LGA was killed by unknown persons with deep knives cut on his head,” he said.

“The military further stated that three persons were arrested from Ungwan Pah and Ungwan Bido villages of the same local government area as follows: Victor Markus, Gero David and Thankgod Sunday.

“Security agencies have furthered reported that Ungwan Bido village was attacked today, Sunday 29th November 2020, where some local residents were killed and four injured. Two children are missing.
“The six persons killed are: Silas Maman, Malaki Tabat; Geofree Andrew; Anna Ahmadu; Sunday Tagwai
and Fidelis Musa.”

The state government appealed to security agencies, traditional rulers and community leaders to continue to work with the state government to sustain the community peace building efforts being supported by the Kaduna State Peace Commission.

Government also directed the Kaduna State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) “to as a matter of urgency provide relief materials to citizens whose houses were burnt as well as those injured in the attack.

- THECABLE

Nigeria thrown into total darkness as national grid collapses

 

Nigeria has been plunged into total blackout following the collapse of the nation’s power grid.

The power grid was said to have collapsed in the early hours of Sunday.

Eko Electricity Distribution Company, confirmed the collapse of the national grid collapse on Sunday via its Twitter handle.

It explained that the current power outage was due to system collapse on the national grid.

The company, however, assured Nigerians that electricity supply would be restored as soon as possible.

“Dear customer, the outage you’re experiencing is due to a system collapse on the National Grid.

We are working with our TCN partners to restore supply as soon as possible.

Please bear with us #PowerUpdate #EkoElectricity #EmpoweringQualityOfLives,” the tweet reads.

- DAILY POST

ASUU: Lecturer questions union’s decisions, predict more strike over 2020 allowances

 

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) have come under criticism for always resorting to strikes when they want results.

Ifeanyi Okonkwo, from the Department of Geology at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, feels strike is not the only option.

He says the current stand-off between ASUU and the federal government over the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS), should not have been an issue at all.

Okonkwo told DAILY POST: “First of all, I think it is valid that the government would want to centralise its payment process to cut waste.

“ASUU should have started with a system like IPPIS but tailored for Universities (as they belatedly did).”

His comments come amid news that ASUU’s ongoing industrial action may be called off following the union’s latest meeting with the federal government.

At the meeting held on Friday, the federal government agreed to increase its offer to the union to N70 billion.

However, Okonkwo believes the offer is only a temporary solution.

“As for allowances, I’m not sure how long ASUU is going to keep fighting for arrears when there is no standard system for current allowance payments.

“In the next 5 years they will strike over 2020 allowances,” he added.

- DAILY POST

Federal Housing Authority threatens to publish names of ALL debtors

 

The Federal Housing Authority (FHA) has threatened to publish the names of all persons indebted to the agency in national newspapers.

The FHA said it has observed that some persons who have benefitted from federal housing projects still owed huge amounts.

The FHA management, in a statement issued on Friday, said the debts are owed by retired workers and other members of the general public, contrary to the repayment plans agreed on by both parties.

Debtors have been given 21 days to pay up or risk losing the affected property to the federal government.

“The Management of the Federal Housing Authority has observed with dismay the huge amounts owed by various allottees of the Authority’s Housing Units and land allocations,” the statement read.

“Some of these debts cut across cadres of retired staff and the general public, and have been owed for many years, contrary to agreed repayment plans and initial terms of allocation.

“Consequently, notice is hereby given to all concerned allottees, to pay up in full, all amounts owed, or before 21 days from the date of this publication.

“Failure to comply with this notice will lead the Authority to publish the names of debtors in national newspapers, and proceed to take all necessary steps to revoke the affected housing units and land which will be subsequently re-allocated to interested members of the general public.”

The FHA, which is supervised by the ministry of works and housing, is involved in the execution of national housing programmes as approved by the federal government.

Gbenga Ashafa, senator representing Lagos east, is the current FHA managing director.

- THECABLE

End SARS: Why we demolished over 1,700 illegal shanties, shops at Agege – Lagos Govt

 

The operatives of the Lagos State Environmental and Special Offences (Enforcement) Unit (Taskforce) have explained why over 1,700 illegal shanties and containerised shops around Fagba Railway lines, Agege were destroyed at the weekend.

The Agency’s Head, Public Affairs Unit, Adebayo Taofiq, in a statement made available to newsmen in Lagos at the weekend, said the demolition was necessitated based on series of complaints about criminal activities around Fagba, Agege after the recent ‘EndSARS’ protest.

According to the statement, the Chairman of the Agency, CSP Olayinka Egbeyemi had served occupants of those illegal structures a 7-day ‘Removal Order’ by the government.

“This is necessitated based on a series of complaints about criminal activities around Fagba, Agege,” the statement read.

“These illegal shanties and containerised shops are occupied by miscreants and hoodlums who terrorise innocent citizens around Fagba, Iju-Ishaga and Pen-Cinema area, dispossessing them of their valuables.

“Investigations conducted also revealed that these miscreants and hoodlums were responsible for the destruction of public properties and looting of shops after the recent ‘EndSARS’ protest around Agege.

“It is an eyesore with miscreants and hoodlums freely smoking and selling Indian hemp including prostitution by under-age boys and girls around Fagba railway lines,” he added.

Egbeyemi enjoined members of the public to support the government in salvaging Lagos State from the clutches of notorious criminals by reporting noticeable criminal activities to security agencies.

The Chairman also confirmed that suspected illegal substances and dangerous drugs such as Indian hemp, codeine, skunk and tramadol were recovered during the demolition exercise.

- DAILY POST

How SARS stray bullet shattered hairstylist’s leg

A 35-year-old hairstylist, Mrs Hannah Olugbodi, has narrated before the Lagos State Judicial Panel of Inquiry probing the activities of the disbanded Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), how her left leg was allegedly shattered by a SARS stray bullet.

While being led in evidence by her counsel, Mr Hakeem Fadun, she told the panel that her left leg was hit by the stray bullet on June 6, 2018, at a market near her home in Ijesha, Lagos.

She said that the stray bullet was from some SARS officers attempting to arrest a suspected internet fraudster allegedly resisting arrest at the nearby Oguncity Hotel.

She said that due to the alleged resistance, members of the disbanded police unit fired weapons at the hotel which was close to the market.

The mother of two said that at 8.00 p.m., she had come back from work and gone to the market to buy some foodstuffs.

“My house is close to Ijesha Market, I was hit where I stood, by a stray bullet. In the commotion, some market people asked where I lived and my husband’s name. I told them and they went to get him; then I fainted,” she testified.

The witness said that when she opened her eyes, she was in a car being rushed by her husband, Oluwaseun, and some family members to the Lagos  University Teaching Hospital (LUTH).

She said that there was no bed space at LUTH and she was treated inside a bus.

She told the panel that she was later taken into a ward.

“The doctor asked if I had money. He said the chances of saving my leg was 50 per cent. He said if my husband had money, it could be managed but if not, it would be amputated and that he would need to perform four surgeries.

“The first surgery involved the use of an iron on the leg. The bullet affected my bone, the doctor said the second surgery would involve cutting off my bone because the bone did not survive.

“The leg did not heal because we did not have money and my doctor, Dr Alabi, said we needed a skin graft.

“After getting money, we did the third surgery and they cut my thigh open; since then I have not been able to work,” she said.

The alleged victim said that since the incident, life had been difficult for her and her family, adding that she had been rendered jobless.

“Sometimes, the leg will be paining me and I will be crying. The doctor said the after two years, I should come back for plastic surgery.

“For two years, I have been unable to work. We wrote to the Lagos State Government and the Ministry of Justice but got no response,” she said.

She said that her husband made some enquiries about the SARS officers from the divisional police officer in Ijesha, who informed him that the SARS officers came from Gbagada.

While being cross-examined by police counsel, Mr Joseph Eboseremem, she insisted that though she did not have a ballistics report, the stray bullet that hit her was from SARS.

Her husband, Oluwaseun, a taxi driver, who was also cross-examined by Eboseremem, was told by the police counsel that contrary to the claims of his wife, there was no SARS Unit at Gbagada, Lagos.

“Do you have anything to show this panel that there was a shooting? I put it to you that you came to this panel to speculate,” the police counsel said.

Responding, Oluwaseun said, ” I know them, they are SARS, they usually come regularly to our area. They were the ones who were shooting.”

NAN

Widow of LASTMA official ‘shot dead by a policeman’ testifies before judicial panel

 

Eniola, wife of Adeyemo Rotimi, an official of the Lagos state traffic management authority (LASTMA), has narrated how her husband was allegedly shot dead by an officer of the special anti-robbery squad (SARS) in 2018.

Eniola, who testified before the Lagos judicial panel set up to probe complaints on police brutality, lamented the challenges encountered by her family since the demise of her husband.

Rotimi was said to have been shot dead by a police officer while at his duty post at Iyana-Ipaja roundabout, Lagos state, around 6pm in November 2018.

Residents at the scene of the incident were said to have descended on the policeman who allegedly shot Rotimi, leading to the officer’s death.

Akinwunmi Ambode, the immediate past governor of Lagos, had commiserated with the family and approved N10 million as compensation.

Speaking before the panel on Saturday, the widow of the late LASTMA official said her husband left behind three children, including a set of twins, adding that it has not been easy to cater for them, since her husband was the breadwinner of the house.

“My husband died and left me with three kids. He was the breadwinner of the family. Whenever I pass through Iyana-Ipaja, which is my route to work, I will remember the death of my husband, since it was the place he was shot dead,” she said.

“I have not been psychologically and emotionally stable since then. I’m always thinking about the death of my husband. Help me financially. It has not been easy with three kids.”

She informed the panel that she was compensated by the Lagos state government and that the burial ceremony was jointly sponsored by the family of her husband and the management of LASTMA.

She also tendered documents showing printed materials used for the burial arrangement of her husband, and the panel accepted them as exhibits.

During cross-examination, Joseph Eboseremen, the police counsel, asked Eniola if she was aware that the policeman that allegedly shot dead her husband was also lynched.

“I wouldn’t know about that,” she responded.

The police counsel again asked: “Were you not compensated by the Lagos state government? Because I was equally aware that you were given N10 million by the government.”

The widow responded: “Yes, N10 miilion.”

“Were you not compensated?” the police counsel again asked.

“Yes, I was, but not from the police,” she said.

She added that the compensation given by the state government had been used on expenses for her children over the past two years.

When asked by Adewale Sanni, a representative of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) who offered free legal representation to the widow, what the panel should do for her and her children, Adeyemo burst into tears.

“Give them a good education till they get to the university, full scholarship, and a good house,” she said.

Meanwhile, the police counsel told the panel that he would produce mortuary documents showing that the policeman who allegedly shot the LASTMA officer was lynched.

Doris Okuwobi, chairperson of the panel, adjourned the matter till December 11, 2020.

- THECABLE

Borno killing: I blame Arewa for insecurity in North – Ganduje’s aide

Governor Umar Ganduje’s Special Adviser on Media, Salihu Tanko Yakasai has blamed Arewa community for the level of insecurity in the North.

The North region, in recent days, have been ravaged with kidnappings and killings.

Few hours ago, about 43 farmers were beheaded by Boko Haram terrorists in Zabarmari, Borno State.

Dawisu condemning the incident, lamented the non-cooperation of some Northerners, who he said failed to speak up against killings and kidnappings in the north.

On his Twitter page, he wrote: “Inna Lillahi Wa Inna Ilaihirrajiun! 43 innocent souls lost for no reason, 43 families thrown into more darkness, 43 less farmers that will feed the nation, 43 new victims that have died in vain. 43 blood in the hands of those that are supposed to protect them.

- DAILY POST

Boko Haram terrorists slaughter 43 farm workers in Borno

 

Boko Haram terrorists have slaughtered 43 farm workers near Maiduguri, Borno, Northeast Nigeria.

The assailants reportedly tied up the agricultural workers and slit their throats in the village of Koshobe.

Leader of Anti-jihadist militias told Babakura Kolo AFP on Saturday that the group has recovered 43 bodies, all of them slaughtered, with six others injured.

“It is no doubt the handiwork of Boko Haram who operate in the area and frequently attack farmers,” he said.

Also, Reuters, citing a village leader, a local fighter with the Zamarmari group and a police source, also reported the attack, putting the death toll to at least 40 people.

A search by the authorities for the attackers has been launched, it added.

The victims were labourers from Sokoto State in northwest Nigeria, roughly 1,000 kilometres (600 miles) away, who had travelled to the northeast to find work, said another militiaman Ibrahim Liman who gave the same toll.

“There were 60 farmers who were contracted to harvest paddy in the rice fields. Forty-three were slaughtered, with six injured,” Liman told AFP.

Eight others were missing, presumed to have been kidnapped by the jihadists, he said.

The bodies were taken to Zabarmari village, two kilometres away, where they would be kept ahead of burial on Sunday, said resident Mala Bunu who took part in the search and rescue operation.

- PM NEWS