Suspected Boko Haram terrorists have killed 15 farmers in an attack around Ala and Musune wards of Marte local government area of Borno State on Wednesday evening. The victims, who were ambushed on their farmlands, were peasant farmers and firewood fetchers, including young men, married men, and elders. According to sources, the attack occurred while the victims were carrying out their daily activities.
The public relations officer of the Borno State Police Command, Nahum Daso, confirmed the incident on Friday, stating that efforts were ongoing to determine the whereabouts of the missing persons. Out of the 18 people who went to the farms, only 15 bodies were found and buried on Thursday, while three others remained missing. The police have promised to update the public as soon as data gathering is complete.
Sources close to the community revealed that the victims were bound, forced to lie down, and executed at close range. Some of the victims were reportedly decapitated, and many were killed in a manner that made them unrecognizable. Community members retrieved the bodies from the scene and buried them according to Islamic rites.
The attack has been condemned by human rights organization Amnesty International, which described the killings as horrific. In a statement on Friday, the organization said the killings constituted a grave violation of international humanitarian law. Amnesty International also noted that the targeting of civilians by non-state actors was a serious offense.
Amnesty International has called on the Nigerian authorities to take immediate, transparent, and human-rights-compliant measures to protect vulnerable communities living in the region. The organization emphasized the need for the government to ensure the safety of civilians, particularly in areas prone to terrorist attacks.
The incident has raised concerns about the security situation in Borno State, which has been plagued by Boko Haram insurgency for years. The attack on the farmers has highlighted the need for the government to enhance security measures to protect civilians, especially those engaged in farming and other daily activities.
The Borno State Police Command has assured the public that efforts are ongoing to bring the perpetrators to justice and to prevent similar attacks in the future. The police have also urged the public to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious activities to the authorities.
Key points
- Boko Haram terrorists killed 15 farmers in Borno State, Nigeria, on Wednesday evening.
- The victims were ambushed on their farmlands while carrying out their daily activities.
- Amnesty International has condemned the attack, calling for the Nigerian authorities to take measures to protect vulnerable communities.
