TheCable

Nigerien and Chadian troops have discovered a mass grave of Boko Haram victims outside the northern Nigerian town of Damasak, which was liberated from the Islamist group Boko Haram over the weekend.

According to Reuters who spoke to a Niger military source, investigations were underway to establish the number of bodies while the wait continues for the arrival of Nigerian authorities to take charge of the operation.

“Niger and Chad’s troops have discovered a mass grave at Damasak, which appears to contain the bodies of Boko Haram’s victims,” a military source said.

Since Damasak, which was held by Boko Haram for four months, was recovered from the insurgents at the weekend, it has remained deserted as its occupants have failed to return.

The military sources said they had requested Nigeria’s military to occupy the town, which lies close to the border with Niger, but had yet to receive a response.

“As far as I know, as of yesterday, the Nigerian army has still not arrived in the area. We are waiting.”

Economic activities were reported to have gone underground in the state, as Boko Haram had looted shops and businesses run by locals.

Nigeria postponed its elections for six weeks to curb insurgency and ensure voting in the north east Nigeria.