The Borno State Governor, Kashim Shettima, on Tuesday said “over 100 people” were killed in Baga during a clash between officers of the Joint Task Force and insurgents over the weekend.
Mr. Shettima stated this in a statement by his spokesperson, Isa Gusau in Maiduguri.
“In the two-day clash; over 100 people were killed with the razing down of the main Baga market, 200 kilometres north of Maiduguri, the state capital,” the governor said.
Residents of the village said they buried 185 people after the battle, while the Red Cross has said 187 people were killed.
President Goodluck Jonathan and the Nigerian military, however, claim the figures are exaggerated. The military said 25 insurgents and a soldier were killed, but kept mum on civilian casualty; while the president has ordered an investigation of the killings.