Borno State Mourns 40 Farmers Killed In Boko Haram/ISWAP Attack

Maiduguri, Borno State – The state government confirmed on Monday that at least 40 farmers were killed in a brutal attack by suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists on the Dumba community near Baga in the Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State.

The attack, which took place on Sunday, January 12th, 2025, targeted farmers and fishermen who had ventured beyond designated safe zones.

Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Zulum, strongly condemned the violence and expressed deep sadness and anguish over the deaths.

He expressed his condolences to the victims’ families and assured the public that an extensive investigation into the incident is currently underway. Many of those who escaped the attack are still being tracked down.

Professor Usman Tar, the Borno State Commissioner of Information and Internal Security, released a statement detailing the attack.

According to the statement, initial reports indicate that approximately 40 farmers were killed, with the fate of many others unknown. The government is working to reunite survivors with their families.

Governor Zulum urged Operation Hadin Kai, the military operation combating insurgency in the region, to quickly locate and eliminate the perpetrators.

He emphasised the importance of citizens adhering to the government and security agencies’ designated safe zones in order to avoid future tragedies.

According to the statement, the farmers strayed outside the secured corridors, entering an area that had not yet been cleared of insurgents and could be contaminated with landmines.

Governor Zulum reiterated the government’s efforts to establish safe zones for farming and economic activities, urging citizens to stay within these boundaries.

He emphasised the dangers of entering uncleared zones, which include terrorist attacks and unexploded ordnance.

The Borno State Government praised the armed forces for their ongoing efforts to clear large areas of land for safe resettlement and agriculture.

The government urged farmers, fishermen, and local communities to limit their activities to designated safe corridors, emphasising that this step is critical for both citizen safety and effective counter-terrorism operations. The government also encouraged citizens to report any suspicious activity to authorities.