The Borno State Government on Tuesday announced financial assistance for victims of Sunday’s Boko Haram attack on Konduga in which 46 people were killed.

The State Governor, Kashim Shettima, who made the announcement when he visited the town, expressed sadness over the attack.

He said each family that lost its breadwinner would be given N250, 000, adding that those whose houses were destroyed would also be assisted.

“Government will compensate all those who lost their houses during the attack.

“Those who lost one bed room apartment will get N100, 000, while those who lost two and three bedroom apartments, would receive N200, 000 and N300, 000 respectively,” he said.

Mr. Shettima also promised that government would shoulder the medical expenses of those injured during the attack.

The governor requested the State Police Commissioner to deploy more policemen to the town to beef-up security. He also appealed to the JTF to deploy more of its men to the area.

Zanna Yale, the District Head of Konduga, who received the governor, confirmed the death of 46 persons in the attack.

He said that about 50 houses were also destroyed by the attackers, who entered the town at about 4.30 am, using Toyota Hilux vans and Golf saloon cars.

Lawan Ajid, leader of the youth vigilante group in the area, said the attackers arrived the town while most people were observing the early morning prayers at the mosques.

“They took us by surprise; they hid their vehicles and pretended to be among worshippers at the Konduga Central Mosque and other adjoining mosques.

“But soon after the prayers, they opened fire on the congregation,” Mr. Ajid said.

He said another group went to the other part of the town, setting houses ablaze using petrol bombs.

Mr. Ajid added that the residents quickly mobilised and alerted the men of the Joint Task Force (JTF) on Operation Restore Order (ORO).

“We mobilised our youth vigilante group and fought back; we also alerted the detachment of the JTF stationed in the area.

“We were able to kill some of the attackers and recovered six AK 47 rifles,” he said.

Mr. Ajid stated that about 30 persons were also injured during the attack.

“We got information on the attack, so we kept vigil, but they waited until when it was dawn to attack us.

“It was sad they chose to attack mosques when people were busy praying,” he said.

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