Niger dispels 'rumour' of Boko Haram retake of town, lowers death toll

The Nigerien government on Monday dispelled reports that Boko Haram has retaken the southeastern town of Bosso which was attacked and taken over by the Islamist group on Friday.

The government announced that the town is under control adding a review of the death toll from the attack which has reduced from 32 to 26 soldiers and 55 Boko Haram insurgents.

This comes after reports indicated that the Mayor of Bosso, the attacked town, said on Monday that Boko Haram has retaken the town after overnight exchange of fire.

Boko Haram retakes Nigerian town of Bosso Mayor pic.twitter.com/tcHz5YZKU4

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“Contrary to the rumour expertly disseminated, the town of Bosso is totally under control. The will of Niger to fight cannot be weakened by Boko Haram,” government spokesperson, Assoumana Malam Issa read on state television.

“The updated toll of the attack is 26 dead comprising 24 Nigerien soldiers and two Nigerian soldiers, 111 injured soldiers and a civilian woman,” he added.

On the part of Boko Haram, he said 55 deaths were recorded and many of the insurgents were injured.

The previous record of the attack announced on Saturday by the Nigerian Ministry of Defence said 30 Nigerien soldiers and two Nigerians were killed with 67 Nigerian soldiers and a Nigerian sustaining injuries.

Niger has declared three days of national mourning.

The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) in Niamey said on Monday that the attack has caused the displacement of thousands of people in town requesting for aid.