An attack carried out by suspected Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists has led to the tragic death of no fewer than 40 farmers in Dumba, located in Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State. The assault took place on Sunday, around 4:30 pm, leaving several others unaccounted for, with many feared to have been abducted.
The incident was confirmed by the Borno State Commissioner for Information and Internal Security, Prof. Usman Tar, on Monday. He said, “Preliminary reports suggest that around 40 farmers were killed, while efforts are underway to trace those who managed to escape the attack and reunite them with their families.” The attack has plunged the community into mourning, as families await updates on the fate of their loved ones.
This devastating attack comes just a day after another violent incident in Chibok, southern Borno, where two people lost their lives, and a church was burned to the ground in a separate terrorist assault. These back-to-back attacks highlight the ongoing insecurity in the region, further complicating efforts to stabilize affected communities.
Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum expressed deep sorrow and condemned the killings in the strongest terms. He called on the military to intensify their operations to eradicate insurgents operating in Dumba and the surrounding areas near Lake Chad. Governor Zulum emphasized the need for a decisive approach to counterinsurgency efforts in these critical areas.
Reports from local sources indicate that the victims had ventured beyond the military-designated security perimeter, which was established to safeguard civilians from insurgent-occupied zones. The government has repeatedly warned residents to remain within these safe zones to minimize their exposure to terrorist activities.
Kukawa has long been a hotspot for insurgent activity, suffering repeated attacks since 2014. One of the most notable incidents occurred in 2019, when Boko Haram launched a devastating assault on Baga, killing soldiers and displacing thousands of residents. These recurring attacks have severely impacted the region's stability and livelihood.
Governor Zulum reassured the affected residents that the state government remains committed to delivering justice and enhancing security measures to protect lives and property. He reiterated the importance of adhering to the designated safe zones for farming activities, allowing the military to focus on eliminating insurgent strongholds in the region.
Meanwhile, the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, addressed ongoing concerns about civilian casualties during military airstrikes. He acknowledged the challenges of conducting operations in areas where terrorists store weapons, often in close proximity to civilian populations. Gen. Musa categorically dismissed allegations of deliberate targeting of civilians, stressing that every effort is made to minimize collateral damage.
The Defence Chief also highlighted the military’s focus on disrupting the financial networks of terrorist groups, with support from international partners such as the UN and the EU. These efforts aim to cut off funding sources that sustain the activities of groups like Boko Haram and ISWAP.
Additionally, Gen. Musa raised alarms over the recruitment and indoctrination of children by terrorist organizations, describing this tactic as a deliberate strategy to replenish their ranks. He emphasized the military’s unwavering commitment to breaking these networks and ensuring the long-term security of the region.
