The Nigerian Army has said it was doubtful if 150 persons actually died in a reported Boko Haram attack on a village in Yobe State.
Most of the 150 persons were said to have drowned as they fled their village in Kukuwa-Gari, Gujba Local Government Area of Yobe State.
A statement by the Acting Director of Information of the Nigerian Army, Colonel Sani Usman, said troops in the area did not receive such report.
Usman said the Nigerian Air Force has conducted surveillance on the area and found nothing suspicious.
However, Usman did not rule out the possibility, saying the report could only not be substantiated.
The statement by Usman also announced the arrest of two leaders of the Boko Haram terrorists.
The statement reads in full: “Following reports and distressed calls about suspected movements and planned attack by Boko Haram terrorists around Damasak general area, the Nigerian Air Force conducted air surveillance and armed recoinaissance, while the Nigerian Army troops have been reinforced.
“The stories going round the media of alleged massacre and drowning of over a hundred civilians in Kukuwa-Gari, Gujba LGA, Yobe State, as reported in some media cannot be substantiated. The general public is hereby assured of Nigerian Army’s commitment in the fight against Boko Haram terrorists and ensuring security for law abiding citizens in the affected areas.
“In a related development, our troops have just arrested two fleeing key members of Boko Haram terrorists with two pick up vehicles in Geidam, Yobe State. Both terrorists are being interrogated.”