In Borno State Boko Haram Strikes Again: 40 Killed, Scores Abducted

In Borno State community in a devastating attack on Sunday evening, suspected members of Boko Haram and the Islamic State of West African Province (ISWAP) reportedly killed at least 40 farmers in the Dumba community of Kukawa Local Government Area, Borno State. The assault, which occurred around 4:30 pm, has also left dozens of residents unaccounted for, with fears that many have been abducted by the insurgents.

Borno State Commissioner for Information and Internal Security, Prof. Usman Tar, confirmed the grim incident in a statement released on Monday. “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,” he said. Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno state has condemned the attack, urging military authorities to intensify efforts to clear insurgent enclaves in and around the Lake Chad area.

Recurring Violence in Kukawa Local Government Area

Sunday’s massacre is the latest in a series of violent attacks that have plagued the Kukawa region, a hotspot of insurgent activity since 2014 in Borno state. Local sources disclosed that the victims ventured beyond the military-marked security track, which separates safe zones from Boko Haram-controlled areas. This fatal move left them vulnerable to ambush by the armed militants.

The Kukawa area has been the target of three major attacks since 2014, including the sacking of Baga, the Local Government headquarters in Borno state, in December 2019. That attack displaced thousands of residents and resulted in the capture and execution of nearly a dozen military personnel. Despite ongoing military operations, the region remains a volatile epicenter of insurgent violence.

Similar Attacks Spread Across Borno State

This tragic incident in Dumba comes less than 24 hours after another attack in the Chibok community, located in southern Borno State. In that assault, two civilians were killed, and a church was razed, further amplifying fears of insecurity across the state.

Governor Zulum has consistently called for strengthened military presence and actionable strategies to dismantle Boko Haram and ISWAP’s operational bases. The governor’s appeals underscore the urgent need for enhanced security measures to protect vulnerable communities and restore stability to Borno State.

As investigations continue, the people of Kukawa and other affected areas in Borno state face the daunting challenge of rebuilding their lives amidst the persistent threat of insurgency.

Borno Governor Condemns Dumba Massacre, Calls for Swift Justice

Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, has expressed profound sorrow over the recent attack on farmers and fishermen at Dumba in the Lake Chad area. In a statement, he condemned the killings and urged the military to bring the perpetrators to justice. Initial reports indicate that about 40 individuals were killed, while several others fled to nearby areas. Efforts are currently underway to locate survivors and reunite them with their families.

Speaking on behalf of the state government, Zulum assured citizens of his administration’s commitment to ensuring justice and enhancing security. He also extended his condolences to the victims’ families, emphasizing the importance of a thorough investigation to address the tragedy. “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 terrorists,” Zulum said.

Call for Adherence to Safe Corridors

Governor Zulum highlighted the risks associated with venturing outside designated safe areas established by the government and military. He explained that the victims had entered zones not yet cleared of insurgents or landmines. “The government has clearly demarcated land for safe farming and economic activities, allowing the military to focus on clearing unsafe areas,” he noted.

He urged residents to respect the safe corridors demarcated by security agencies to prevent similar incidents. These safe zones in Borno state, according to Zulum, provide secure areas for farming, fishing, and settlement under the protection of security forces. He also commended the armed forces for their efforts in securing large stretches of land as part of a long-term strategy to manage displacement and enhance livelihoods.

Military Operations and Precision Airstrikes

Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, addressed concerns regarding military airstrikes following the accidental killing of 16 civilians in Zamfara. Speaking on Arise News, Musa explained that the military adheres to strict protocols to ensure precision in its operations, aiming to avoid civilian casualties. He attributed some incidents to secondary explosions caused by insurgents’ stockpiles of weapons and explosives.

Musa dismissed claims that civilians are deliberately targeted, suggesting that such allegations aim to demoralize troops. He emphasized the military’s successes in combating terrorism, noting that over 120,000 insurgents, including 60,000 children, have surrendered. He warned of the risks posed by children raised in environments rife with violence, urging collective efforts to prevent the rise of a new generation of terrorists.

Efforts to Disrupt Terrorism Financing

General Musa also highlighted ongoing efforts to disrupt the financial networks sustaining terrorism in Nigeria. He revealed that multiple government agencies, in collaboration with international organizations such as the United Nations and the European Union, are tracing the sources and movement of funds. Locally, terrorist groups are believed to rely on taxes, levies, kidnapping, and other illicit activities.

Musa criticized a Reuters report alleging forced abortions during counter-insurgency operations, stating that investigations had exonerated the military. He announced plans to pursue legal action against the news agency for its failure to retract the false claims. Meanwhile, the House of Representatives Committee on Army has pledged increased financial support for the military in the 2025 budget to bolster their fight against insecurity across the country.

The combined efforts of the military, government, and international partners underscore a united front against terrorism, promising hope for a more secure and prosperous future for Nigeria.

The Human Cost of Survival in Conflict Zones

The incident underscores the precarious relationship between civilians and armed groups in Nigeria’s conflict-ridden northeastern region. In their struggle to survive, civilians frequently risk exposure to violence, exploitation, or death. Over 2,000 farmers and fishermen are reportedly still operating in ISWAP enclaves, often caught in crossfire during rival clashes or targeted by factions suspecting betrayal.

This latest attack highlights the urgent need for enhanced security measures and viable alternatives for civilians to pursue their livelihoods without resorting to dangerous compromises with insurgents. As the region grapples with the devastating human toll of the conflict, addressing these vulnerabilities remains a critical priority for policymakers and security forces.