The death toll in the attack on mourners at a burial ground in Badu village of Borno State has risen to sixty five.
The Chairman of Nganzai Local government Area, Mohammed Bulama where the village is located confirmed the figure, saying ten people who sustained injuries are being managed in the specialist hospital in Maiduguri.
According to Bulama, the attack on mourners is a reprisal carried out by the insurgents following an encounter with villagers who defended themselves during a recent attack and retrieved stolen animals and arms which they submitted to the Commissioner of Police.
The Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara-Zulum during a visit to the village, disclosed that a security council meeting would be convened immediately to discuss the recent spate of attacks.
Zulum however noted that while operational capacities and resilience of the people would have to be strengthened, the door of reconciliation would however be left open for militants willing to retrace their steps.
