A fresh attack by suspected Boko Haram terrorists has left at least 15 farmers and firewood gatherers dead in Marte Local Government Area of Borno State. The incident occurred on Wednesday evening when the victims were ambushed while carrying out their daily activities around Ala and Musune wards. According to sources, 18 people had gone to the farms, but only 15 bodies were recovered from the scene and buried on Thursday.
The Public Relations Officer of the Borno State Police Command, Nahum Daso, confirmed the incident, stating that efforts were ongoing to determine the whereabouts of those still missing. Daso said details were still sketchy, but 15 people were killed in the attack. The police spokesperson added that security authorities were still gathering information on the incident and would provide further updates when more details became available.
Local sources described the victims as mainly peasant farmers and firewood gatherers who had gone into the surrounding bush to earn a living and provide for their families. They reportedly included young men, married men, and elderly members of the community. One of the sources, who requested anonymity, alleged that the victims were attacked while working on their farms, bound, forced to lie down, and executed at close range.
The source further alleged that some of the victims were decapitated, adding that the condition of some of the bodies made identification difficult. Many people were killed, and some were not even recognisable. Community members later went to the area to retrieve the bodies and take them back for burial. The bodies found have been buried according to Islamic rites.
The attack has raised concerns over the safety of rural residents in communities affected by the long-running Boko Haram insurgency in Borno State. People who depend on farming and other activities in remote areas for their livelihood are particularly vulnerable. Amnesty International condemned the killings, describing the incident as horrific and calling on the Nigerian authorities to take urgent measures to protect vulnerable communities in the region.
Amnesty International's statement issued on Friday said the reported killing of civilians represented a serious violation of international humanitarian law. The organisation called on the Nigerian government to strengthen protection for civilians living in areas exposed to attacks by armed groups. The victims, who were local residents venturing into the surrounding bush to gather firewood to earn a living or cook for their families, were ambushed and targeted by a suspected Boko Haram group.
Three people remain missing as of Friday, with community members continuing efforts to locate them. The incident has further highlighted the need for the Nigerian government to take concrete steps to address the ongoing insecurity in the region and protect the lives of rural residents.
Key points
- At least 15 farmers and firewood gatherers were killed in the attack.
- The incident occurred in Marte Local Government Area of Borno State.
- Amnesty International condemned the killings and called for urgent measures to protect vulnerable communities.
