More Than 40 Farmers Killed In Borno State Attack By Boko Haram, ISWAP Fighters

At least 40 farmers were killed in an attack by armed groups in Borno State, in northeastern Nigeria, as confirmed by government officials.

Fighters from Boko Haram and its ISIS-affiliated group, ISWAP (Islamic State of West African Province), were suspected of carrying out the attack, according to Borno State Governor Babagana Umara Zulum and State Information Commissioner Usman Tar.

Tar said that the attackers gathered around a group of farmers in Dumba, near Lake Chad, and shot them late on Sunday. He said the governor urged the military to pursue and neutralize the attackers operating in Dumba and other regions around Lake Chad.

"Investigation has commenced on the circumstances behind this attack. Initial reports indicate 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, Punch reported.

The governor reassured the public that the state government was determined to ensure justice and improve security. He expressed deep sadness over the attack and offered condolences to the victims' families. He assured citizens that a thorough investigation would be conducted.

The governor explained that the victims had ventured outside the security zones set up by the government and military into areas still controlled by insurgents or dangerous due to landmines. He advised residents to stay within the designated "safe corridors" marked by security agencies to avoid such risks.

The victims were attacked after moving beyond the military-designated security zone meant to keep people from entering areas controlled by Boko Haram or ISWAP.

He emphasized that the government had established safe areas for farming and economic activities, allowing the military to focus on clearing hazardous zones. He urged citizens not to enter areas prone to terrorist attacks or contaminated with landmines.

This attack comes less than 24 hours after two people were killed and a church was set on fire in a similar attack on the Chibok community, located in the southern part of Borno State.

Zulum strongly condemned the attack and called on the military to track down and eliminate the insurgents operating in Dumba and other areas around Lake Chad. He also called for the armed forces to investigate the recent attack.

Boko Haram began its insurgency in 2009 to fight against Western education and impose its version of Islamic law. The United Nations reports that around 35,000 civilians have been killed, and more than two million people have been displaced in the northeastern region due to the violence.