An estimated 400 bodies [pictures at bottom] were discovered in the northeastern town of Damasak, Borno State this weekend. The town of Damasak was liberated by Nigerian troops and joint military operations with Chad and Niger last month, after years of being assaulted by Boko Haram terrorists.
The dead were left out in the elements for an undetermined length of time, and were badly decomposed and covered in desert sands. Dead bodies were found scattered throughout the town and in the Damasak River bed, which dried up recently.
Reports from on the ground also narrate that the dead were buried in at least 20 separate mass graves around the Damasak town area.
Gana Mustapha, a spokesman for Borno State Governor, told the media that “the level of devastation in Damasak is high. We have seen hundreds of people that were massacred by Boko Haram.” A committee has also been set up to strategize how towns ruined by Boko Haram and rebound.
News of the Damasak Massacre comes at the same time the Nigerian military allegedly rescued 300 women and girls from the Sambisa Forest, though early speculation that these victims were the Chibok Girls proved fase.
Incoming president, Muhammadu Buhari, has vowed to take a hardline stance against Boko Haram. President-elect Buhari will be inaugurated on May 29th.
