Following the deadly terror attack in Yobe State’s Mafa village, where insurgents massacred at least 34 villagers and set numerous homes ablaze, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, has announced plans to deploy additional soldiers to the state.

The attack, which occurred on Sunday in Tarmuwa Local Government Area, prompted Yobe State Governor, Mai Mala Buni, to seek military support in Abuja.

During a meeting on Wednesday, Governor Buni expressed deep concern over the escalating terrorist incursions into Yobe, particularly targeting border communities.

He emphasized the urgency of addressing these attacks to prevent further loss of life and property. The governor highlighted recent incidents, including the Mafa attack and an earlier assault in Geidam, near the Niger Republic border, where numerous lives were lost.

“I have discussed extensively with the CDS to find a lasting solution to these incursions and attacks on the border communities,” Buni stated.

“I am pleased with his response and the new strategies he assured to undertake to check the menace and excesses of the terrorists to safeguard the lives and property of our people.”

In response, General Musa pledged to deploy additional personnel and implement innovative strategies to curb terrorist movements and attacks in the identified areas. He stressed the importance of enhanced collaboration between the military and local communities to effectively combat terrorism and other criminal activities across the nation.

“The military will deploy more personnel and new strategies to bring an end to the movements and attacks by the criminals in the identified areas,” the CDS assured.

The attack in Mafa has sparked widespread condemnation. The Chairman of the Northern States Governors’ Forum and Governor of Gombe State, Muhammadu Yahaya, condemned the attack as a “senseless act of violence” and urged security agencies to ensure the perpetrators are swiftly brought to justice.

“This brutal act must not go unpunished. I call on security agencies to double their efforts and ensure that the perpetrators are swiftly brought to justice,” Yahaya stated, reaffirming the commitment of northern governors to supporting efforts aimed at restoring peace and security in the region.

Similarly, the Embassy of Saudi Arabia in Nigeria issued a strong condemnation of the Yobe attack, describing it as “treacherous” and reiterating the Kingdom’s firm stance against violence, terrorism, and extremism.

The attack on Sunday saw militants, reportedly riding over 50 motorcycles, storm Mafa village. While eyewitnesses suggest the death toll could exceed 100, official reports from the state government confirmed 34 casualties. The victims were buried in a mass grave on Tuesday in Babangida, the headquarters of Tarmuwa Local Government Area.

The bodies were recovered during a search-and-rescue operation led by the Nigerian Army, with assistance from local vigilantes.

The Yobe State Police Command also confirmed the attack, noting that the insurgents left behind fliers with Arabic inscriptions.