The
Director of Defence Information, Maj.-Gen. Chris Olukolade, has said
that about 150 people died in Baga, Borno, during the recent insurgents’
attack on the town, as opposed to the 2000 persons as reported.
According to NAN, Olukolade said this at a news briefing yesterday, in Abuja. He said since the unfortunate incident, a lot of speculations and conjectures had been peddled by a section of the press, particularly the on-line media regarding the casualty rate.
“It should be noted that Baga and the neighbouring towns have been under series of attacks and harassment by 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 eye witnesses 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."
“In any case, this is no time to debate about casualty figures or number of deaths as the life of any Nigerian is important. The tendency to celebrate the occasional setbacks while downplaying the efforts and successes at containing the terrorists is unfair and very unfortunate. It is noteworthy that many international bodies are being misled in the interpretation of the situation owing to sensational headlines and stories. Appropriate plans, men and resources are presently being mobilised to address the situation. We want to reassure Nigerians that no portion of Nigeria’s territory has been or will be conceded to terrorists."
“Some claimed that over a thousand people were killed while others wrote with certainty that 2000 people lost their lives in that singular attack. Without any doubt, terrible atrocities have been committed against innocent Nigerians in Baga by the rampaging terrorists who attacked and have been operating in the town since Jan. 3, 2015. 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." he said.However, he said that though necessary action was being taken to put an end to the activities of the terrorists and restore law and order in the community, it should be noted that many residents have left of Baga and its neighbouring villages.
“It should be noted that Baga and the neighbouring towns have been under series of attacks and harassment by 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 eye witnesses 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."
“In any case, this is no time to debate about casualty figures or number of deaths as the life of any Nigerian is important. The tendency to celebrate the occasional setbacks while downplaying the efforts and successes at containing the terrorists is unfair and very unfortunate. It is noteworthy that many international bodies are being misled in the interpretation of the situation owing to sensational headlines and stories. Appropriate plans, men and resources are presently being mobilised to address the situation. We want to reassure Nigerians that no portion of Nigeria’s territory has been or will be conceded to terrorists."
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