A devastating attack by suspected Boko Haram terrorists has left 15 farmers dead in Marte Local Government Area of Borno State. The incident occurred on Wednesday evening in Ala and Musune wards, where the victims were working on their farms and gathering firewood. The Borno State Police Command confirmed the attack, stating that 15 people were killed and efforts were ongoing to locate three missing farmers.
According to the Public Relations Officer of the Borno State Police Command, Nahum Daso, details of the incident were still sketchy, but the command would provide further information as more facts emerged. The police have commenced a search for the three missing farmers. Local sources, however, provided more insight into the attack, stating that 18 farmers were targeted, with 15 bodies recovered and buried on Thursday according to Islamic rites.
The victims, comprising young men, married men, and elderly residents, had ventured into the bush to tend to their farms or gather firewood for their families. A community source revealed that the farmers were ambushed, tied up, and executed at close range by the attackers. Some of the victims were decapitated, making identification difficult. The source stated that 15 out of the 18 victims had been buried, and efforts were ongoing to locate the three missing persons.
Amnesty International has condemned the attack, describing the killings as horrific and a grave violation of international humanitarian law. The organisation stated that the victims were residents who ventured into the surrounding bush to gather firewood to earn a living or cook for their families. Amnesty International called on the Federal Government to take immediate steps to protect vulnerable communities in the North-East.
The organisation urged the authorities to take “immediate, transparent, and human rights-compliant measures” to protect communities living in the region. The attack has raised concerns about the security situation in Borno State, where Boko Haram insurgents have been active for years. The incident has also highlighted the risks faced by farmers and residents in the region who venture into the bush to gather firewood or tend to their farms.
The police search for the three missing farmers was ongoing as of Friday. The Borno State Police Command has assured the public that efforts were being made to bring the perpetrators to justice. The incident has sparked widespread condemnation, with many calling for increased security measures to protect vulnerable communities in the region.
The attack in Marte Local Government Area of Borno State is the latest in a series of violent incidents in the region. The incident has raised concerns about the humanitarian situation in the region and the need for increased protection for residents.
Key points
- - 15 farmers were killed in the attack - 3 farmers are still missing - Amnesty International condemned the attack as a grave violation of international humanitarian law
