Suspected Boko Haram terrorists have launched a deadly attack in Marte Local Government Area of Borno State, killing 15 farmers and firewood gatherers. The victims were ambushed while carrying out their daily activities around Ala and Musune wards of the local government area on Wednesday evening. According to local sources, 18 people had gone to the farms and surrounding areas, but only 15 bodies were recovered after the attack.
The bodies of the victims were reportedly buried on Thursday according to Islamic rites, while three other people remained missing as of Friday. The Public Relations Officer of the Borno State Police Command, Nahum Daso, confirmed the attack, stating that 15 people were killed while others are still missing. Daso added that efforts are ongoing to determine the whereabouts of those missing.
Local sources described the victims as peasant farmers and firewood gatherers who had gone into the area to carry out their daily activities and earn a living. The victims included young men, married men, and elderly members of the community. One source alleged that the victims were ambushed by the suspected terrorists while working, bound, forced to lie down, and subsequently executed at close range.
The source further alleged that some of the victims were decapitated during the attack. "Many people were killed. Some were not even recognisable. So far, we have buried 15 out of the 18; we are currently searching for three persons," the source said. Another source said members of the community later went to the scene and recovered the bodies from the farm where the victims were allegedly attacked.
Amnesty International has condemned the attack, describing the killings as horrific. In a statement on Friday, the human rights organisation said at least 15 people were killed in Marte Local Government Area on Thursday, October 1, 2026. Amnesty International said the victims were local residents who had ventured into the surrounding bush to gather firewood either to earn a living or provide for their families.
The organisation said the civilians were allegedly ambushed and targeted by a suspected Boko Haram group, describing the targeting of civilians by non-state actors as 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 latest attack adds to the security concerns confronting communities in Marte and other parts of Borno State, where civilians continue to face risks while carrying out farming and other livelihood activities. The Borno State Police Command has promised to provide further information to members of the public as soon as data gathering is completed.
Key points
- 15 people were killed in the attack.
- The victims were ambushed while carrying out their daily activities.
- Amnesty International has condemned the attack, calling for immediate measures to protect vulnerable communities.
