The United Nations has said that the number of 110 civilians killed on Saturday in Borno State by Boko Haram is an unconfirmed number.
In a corrigendum issued Monday morning, the global body said the correct version of the statement by the Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator is the one published on Sunday on Reliefweb and used on OCHA Nigeria’s Twitter account.
However, in the version emailed to a Dateline Nigeria reporter, the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator is Nigeria Mr Edward Kallon said “At least 110 civilqins were ruthlessly killed and many others wounded in this attack.”
On the version posted on Reliefweb and OCHA Nigeria’s twitter account, that part now reads: “Tens of civilians were ruthlessly killed and many others were wounded in this attack.”
The remaining part of the statement remained the same.
“In early afternoon of 28 November, amed men on motorcycles led a brutal attack on civilian men and women who were harvesting their fields in Koshobe and other rural communities in Jere Local Government Area.
“Reports we are receiving are indicating these innocent famers were the victims of this callous violence.
“I extend my sincere condolences to the families of the civilians who lost their lives in this atrocious attack. I also wish a speedy recovery to those who were wounded in the incident.
“We have also received reports that several women may have been kidnapped. I call for their immediate release and return to safety.
“My thoughts are also with the rural communities in the area, who are shocked by the brutality of yesterday’s attack and fear for their safety.
“The entire UN sysiem and the humanitarian community working to provide lite-saving and development assistance to the most vulnerable in Borno State is outraged by the incident.
“Such direct attacks against innocent civilians jeopardize the ability for the most vulnerable people to survive the adversity they are facing, and which we are striving to alleviate.
“The incident is the most violent direct attack against innocent civilians this year. I call for the perpetrators of this heinous and senseless act to be brought to justice.
“It is unfortunately one of too many such attacks targeting famers, fishermen and families who are trying to recover some livelihood opportunity after over a decade of conflict.
“I strongly condemn this attack and any act of violence against innocent civilians and I fimly urge all actors on the ground to respect international laws and humanity.
“Rural communities in Bomo State are facing untold hardships. Helping them to farm land and rebuild livelihoods are amongst our priorities and the only way to avoid the looming food crisis in Borno State. They and all other civilians need to be protected and spared from any kind of violence.”
