The Defence Headquarters (DHQ), has described as grossly exaggerated reports that about 2000 people lost their lives, in the aftermath of last week’s deadly attack on Baga, Borno State, by Boko Haram fighters.
The Director of Defence Information (DDI), Major General Chris Olukolade, who made the position known at a late evening press briefing, at the DHQ, Abuja, noted that the casualty figure is in the region of 150, mostly Boko Haram insurgents.
“Following that unfortunate attack, a lot of speculations and conjectures have been peddled by a section of the press particularly the on-line media regarding the casualty rate.
“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 January 3. 2015.”
While assuring that discreet strategies were being put in place, to retake the territory, the DDI said: “It is, however, necessary to inform Nigerians in the interim that the exercise so far have not corroborated the report on the casualty rate which was put at 2000 deaths.”
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