Over 40 farmers were reportedly killed in a brutal attack by Boko Haram/Islamic State of West African Province (ISWAP) terrorists on Sunday, January 12.
The attack occurred in Dumba, a farming settlement in Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State, leaving the community in shock and mourning.
Residents reported that the armed terrorists stormed the area at around 3 p.m. and rounded up the farmers who were engaged in their routine activities.
According to eyewitnesses, the insurgents declared that farming in the area remained prohibited, a ban they claimed had not been lifted.
READ ALSO: Suspected Lakurawa Terrorists Kill Telecom Workers, Other In Kebbi
One survivor, who narrowly escaped unharmed, recounted the harrowing ordeal:
“The terrorists came to us while we were farming and ordered us to stop. They said farming in the area is still banned and that anyone found farming would be killed. Shortly after, they opened fire on the farmers. I counted about 40 dead bodies. Many others were shot and fled into the bush, and their whereabouts remain unknown.”
The survivor further revealed that the surviving farmers sought help from soldiers and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), who facilitated their rescue and relocation to a safer area.
A member of the CJTF, who spoke anonymously, described the incident as part of a recurring pattern of violence targeting farmers in the region.
“These attacks have been ongoing for some time now. Sometimes, they kill up to 10 farmers, and the incidents go unreported. This particular attack was so severe that we had to raise the alarm. With the help of the military, we used boats to rescue about 200 survivors who escaped. They confirmed that over 40 farmers were killed,” the source stated.
READ ALSO: Terrorism: NAF’s Fresh Air Strike Kills 16 Civilians In Zamfara
Dumba is a farming and fishing community located approximately 7 kilometers from the prominent Baga fishing hub near the Chad border.
Its riverine nature has made it a vital center for agricultural and fishing activities, which have been repeatedly disrupted by terrorist activities.
The attack further reveals the vulnerability of rural communities in Borno State and the urgent need for enhanced security measures to protect lives and livelihoods.
Authorities and security agencies are yet to release an official statement on the incident. However, local leaders and advocacy groups are calling for decisive action to curb the recurring violence and ensure the safety of residents in Kukawa and its environs.