At least 40 farmers were brutally murdered by suspected Boko Haram terrorists in an attack on Sunday afternoon in Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State.
The attack, which unfolded around 4:30 p.m. in Kayakura village, Doron Baga ward, also left scores of farmers unaccounted for, according to local sources.
This incident comes on the heels of a similar attack in Chibok community on Saturday, where two people were killed and a church was set ablaze.
A local source, who spoke to our correspondent on the condition of anonymity, described the scene of carnage, stating, “As we speak, many people are missing and they killed more than 40 farmers, predominantly those who escaped the attack in Gwoza local government area.”
While the local source put the death toll at over 40, a security source in the area gave a slightly lower figure, stating, “Thirty people lost their lives during the attack on the farmers in the Doron Baga ward.”
The Borno State Commissioner of Information and Internal Security, Prof. Usman Tar, confirmed the attack, describing it as an act of terrorism.
“On Sunday 12th January 2025, armed militia suspected to be Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists attacked some farmers and fishermen at Dumba community, near Baga in Kukawa LGA,” the statement read.
“Investigation has commenced on the circumstances behind this attack. 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.”
The statement further conveyed the state governor, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum’s, deep sorrow and anguish over the tragic incident, stating, “With deep sorrow and anguish, I received the sad news of the attack on Dumba where scores of our farmers and fishermen were killed by the terrorists. On behalf of the government, I sympathise with the victims’ families.”
Governor Zulum has since condemned the attack and called upon the Armed Forces to intensify efforts to track down and take down the criminals responsible for this heinous act.
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