ISWAP’s Brutal Retaliation in Mafa Village: Over 140 Villagers Massacred

In what is being described as one of the deadliest attacks in recent years, operatives of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) launched a brutal assault on Mafa village in Geidam, Yobe State, on September 1, 2024. According to reports from Zagazola X handle, the attack began shortly after the Maghreb prayers and quickly escalated into an indiscriminate massacre.

Eyewitnesses recounted scenes of horror as ISWAP fighters stormed the village, shooting some residents while brutally slaughtering others. In a particularly gruesome display of violence, the bodies of the victims were set on fire, and homes were torched, reducing the once-thriving community to ashes. The relentless onslaught left more than 140 villagers dead, with many others injured or missing. The massacre has shocked the region and reignited fears about the growing threat posed by ISWAP in northeastern Nigeria.

Retaliation for the Killing of Top ISWAP Commanders

The attack on Mafa is believed to be a retaliatory strike by ISWAP, driven by anger and vengeance over the killing of three of their top commanders earlier that day. Reports indicate that the slain commanders, identified as Munzir, Man Shuib Imam, and Khaeed Jorro, were killed by villagers during an altercation over the collection of taxes. The villagers, supported by military forces, managed to seize supplies from the terrorists, further fueling ISWAP’s rage.

In response to the killings, ISWAP operatives, notorious for their brutality, swiftly mobilized and launched the deadly raid on Mafa. The group’s actions appear to be a calculated attempt to send a chilling message to those who resist their demands or cooperate with military forces. The massacre in Mafa not only highlights ISWAP’s growing audacity but also the increasing volatility of the region as local communities and military forces push back against the terrorist group’s influence.

ISWAP’s Use of IEDs and Bombs to Maximize Carnage

In a further demonstration of their ruthless tactics, ISWAP terrorists employed improvised explosive devices (IEDs) to target anyone who might respond to the massacre. After killing the three commanders, ISWAP operatives strapped their bodies with IEDs, turning them into deadly traps for mourners, rescuers, and security agencies who would inevitably come to the scene.

Additionally, the group planted bombs on the roads leading to Mafa, aiming to delay response teams and inflict further casualties. These tactics reveal ISWAP’s intent to not only punish the villagers but also to discourage any future resistance or cooperation with government forces. The use of IEDs and road bombs has become a hallmark of ISWAP’s operations, contributing to the widespread fear and insecurity in northeastern Nigeria. The attack on Mafa serves as a grim reminder of the ongoing threat posed by ISWAP and the challenges faced by the Nigerian government in securing the region.

Death Toll and Missing Persons in Mafa Attack

As efforts to assess the full impact of the attack continue, the death toll in Mafa remains uncertain. Early reports indicate that at least 81 people lost their lives in the assault. Bulama Jalaluddeen, a local official, confirmed that by the time soldiers arrived to evacuate the corpses, 15 bodies had already been buried by their families. Additionally, an unspecified number of victims from nearby villages, who were caught in the attack, were buried by their kinsmen before the arrival of the military. Many villagers are still unaccounted for, raising concerns that the death toll could rise even further.

A military official who accompanied the army’s commanding officer to Mafa on Monday evening reported that the route to the village had been rigged with explosives, which the troops managed to defuse. The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, revealed that 37 bodies were recovered and taken to Babangida General Hospital. However, the actual number of casualties could be much higher, as some bodies were reportedly left in the bush, and several residents remain missing.

Community in Shock as Search for Missing Continues

The attack on Mafa has left the community reeling, with survivors struggling to come to terms with the scale of the violence. Modu Mohammed, a resident of Mafa, estimated the death toll to be more than 100, with several villagers still unaccounted for. The attack has not only resulted in significant loss of life but also in widespread destruction of property, with many homes and businesses reduced to ashes.

The situation in northeastern Nigeria remains dire, as ISWAP and other armed groups continue to pose a significant threat to the safety and security of the region’s inhabitants. The collaboration between these insurgents and criminal gangs has exacerbated the violence, making it increasingly difficult for local authorities and security forces to restore order. As the community of Mafa mourns its dead and searches for its missing, the attack serves as a grim reminder of the ongoing conflict that has plagued northeastern Nigeria for over a decade.