Suspected Boko Haram terrorists have launched a deadly attack on farmers in Borno State, Nigeria, killing 15 people and leaving three others missing. The incident occurred on Wednesday evening in the Marte Local Government Area, specifically around the Ala and Musune wards. According to sources, the victims were ambushed while working on their farmlands.

The Public Relations Officer of the Borno State Police Command, Nahum Daso, confirmed the incident on Friday. He stated that efforts were ongoing to determine the whereabouts of the missing persons. Daso said that the police were still gathering details about the attack and would update the public once the information was complete.

The victims, who were reportedly peasant farmers and firewood fetchers, included young men, married men, and elders. Sources described the attack as a brutal ambush, with the terrorists binding and executing the victims at close range. Some of the victims were allegedly decapitated, and many were left unrecognizable.

Community members retrieved the bodies from the scene and buried them according to Islamic rites. Out of the 18 people who went to the farms, only 15 bodies were found and buried on Thursday, while the search for the three missing persons continues. The attack has been widely condemned, with many calling for increased security measures in the region.

Amnesty International has strongly condemned the attack, describing the killings as horrific. The organization stated that the targeting of civilians by non-state actors constituted a grave violation of international humanitarian law. Amnesty International called on the Nigerian authorities to take immediate, transparent, and human-rights-compliant measures to protect vulnerable communities living in the region.

The attack on the farmers has raised concerns about the security situation in Borno State, which has been plagued by Boko Haram insurgency for years. The incident highlights the need for the government to take concrete steps to protect civilians and prevent further attacks. The police and other security agencies have promised to increase efforts to bring the perpetrators to justice.

The killings have sent shockwaves through the community, with many residents expressing fear and anxiety about their safety. The incident has also raised questions about the effectiveness of the government's efforts to combat Boko Haram and protect civilians. As the search for the missing persons continues, the community remains on edge, hoping for the safe return of their loved ones.

Key points

  • Boko Haram terrorists killed 15 farmers in Borno State, Nigeria, in an attack on their farmlands.
  • The attack has been condemned by Amnesty International, which called for the Nigerian authorities to take measures to protect vulnerable communities.
  • The incident has raised concerns about the security situation in Borno State and the effectiveness of the government's efforts to combat Boko Haram.

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SaharaWire Newsroom
SaharaWire

Reporting for SaharaWire from the Nairobi bureau.