At least 40 farmers were killed in an attack in Nigeria’s northeastern Borno State, as reported by government officials.
Fighters from Boko Haram and the Islamic State in West Africa Province (ISWAP) are suspected to be responsible, according to Borno State Governor Babagana Umara Zulum and State Information Commissioner Usman Tar.
Tar stated that the armed groups gathered dozens of farmers in Dumba, near Lake Chad, and executed them late on Sunday.
“Initial report indicates about 40 farmers have been killed while the whereabouts of many who escaped the attack are being traced for reunion with their families,” Tar said.
In response, the state government directed soldiers combating insurgents in the region to “track and obliterate the insurgent elements” in Dumba and nearby Lake Chad areas.
The commissioner explained that the farmers had ventured beyond the safe boundaries set by the armed forces for farming and fishing. These areas are known strongholds for Boko Haram and ISWAP and are littered with landmines, making them highly dangerous.
Governor Zulum urged civilians to adhere to the designated safe zones cleared by the military and called for a military investigation into the incident.
Lake Chad, shared by Nigeria, Niger, Cameroon, and Chad, is a hub for Boko Haram and ISWAP operations, serving as a base for launching attacks.
Boko Haram began its insurgency in 2009, opposing Western education and seeking to enforce its interpretation of Islamic law.
According to the United Nations, the conflict in northeastern Nigeria has claimed approximately 35,000 civilian lives and displaced over two million people.
