Terrorist Attack in Borno Leaves 40 Dead, Dozens Missing
On January 14, 2025, the Dumba community in Borno State’s Kukawa Local Government Area was struck by a brutal assault attributed to Boko Haram and the Islamic State of West African Province (ISWAP). Reports indicate that at least 40 farmers lost their lives during the attack, with many others unaccounted for, raising fears of potential abductions.
The assault took place around 4:30 PM on Sunday, leaving the community in shock and mourning. Borno State’s Commissioner for Information and Internal Security, Professor Usman Tar, confirmed the tragic incident in a statement released on Monday. He indicated that investigations have begun to understand the details surrounding the attack. “Preliminary reports suggest that around 40 farmers have been killed, while efforts are ongoing to locate those who managed to flee and reunite them with their families,” Tar explained.
This incident comes just a day after another attack in the Chibok community, which resulted in two fatalities and the burning of a church, underscoring the persistent threat posed by the insurgents. Governor Babagana Zulum condemned the violence, urging military forces to act swiftly to eliminate the insurgent presence in Dumba and adjacent regions around Lake Chad.
Sources revealed that the assailants targeted the farmers after they ventured beyond the military-designated security zones meant to keep civilians safe from terrorist activities. The Kukawa area has been plagued by repeated attacks from Boko Haram since 2014, with notable incidents including the capture of Baga, a critical commercial hub, in December 2019.
In response to the alarming situation, Governor Zulum expressed his condolences to the families of the victims and reiterated the commitment of the state government to ensure justice. He emphasised the importance of adhering to the designated “safe corridors” established by security agencies to mitigate risks associated with terrorist activities. “The government has marked safe areas for agricultural and economic activities, allowing military forces to focus on clearing hazardous zones. Citizens must refrain from entering regions susceptible to terrorist assaults or potentially contaminated by landmines,” he cautioned.
The governor praised the armed forces for their ongoing efforts to secure land for farming and resettlement as part of a broader strategy to manage displacement and improve livelihoods. He noted, “These safe corridors provide ample land for settlement, fishing, and farming under the vigilant oversight of our security forces. Straying into dangerous territories not only jeopardises lives but also complicates military operations against the terrorists.”
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Meanwhile, Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, explained that the military adheres to strict protocols when conducting airstrikes across various operational theatres. He emphasised that civilian targets are not intentionally pursued. Musa addressed recent incidents of civilian casualties, attributing them to secondary explosions in areas where insurgents store weapons, and urged communities to await the results of military investigations before concluding.
Musa also highlighted the evolution of terrorist tactics, revealing that they have shifted from forcibly recruiting men to using women to give birth to a new generation of fighters. He expressed concern over children growing up in such violent environments, warning that they could become even more brutal than their predecessors.
The federal government is working alongside international organisations to disrupt the financing of terrorism in Nigeria. Various agencies are actively tracing the sources of funds supporting these groups. The military is also preparing legal action against media outlets that have published unverified reports regarding military operations.
the latest attack in Borno serves as a grim reminder of the ongoing security challenges faced by the region, prompting calls for enhanced military action and community vigilance.
Content Credit| Kemi Arowolo
Picture Credit | https://www.icirnigeria.org/
