Many Feared Dead As Boko Haram Strikes Farmers In Borno

In Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State, an unknown number of farmers have reportedly been killed by suspected Boko Haram terrorists.

Our correspondent gathered that the incident occurred around 5 pm on Sunday in a village called Kayakura in Kukawa.

Residents in the area who confirmed the incident said many farmers were abducted by the terrorists.

“There was no sign of any invasion. We were seated and before you know, we started hearing gunshots and people running for cover,” a resident simply identified as Tijanni.

Meanwhile, another resident, Aisha Mohammad, said some people have gone missing in the community.

“I do not have records. But there are faces that we can no longer find among us. A sister of mine has been looking for her son, who went to the farm, since yesterday,” she said.

Efforts by our correspondent to reach the spokesperson of Operation Hadin Kai, Spokesperson, Operation Hadin Kai, Lt Col. A.Y. Jingina, proved abortive as he neither picks nor returns calls.

Meanwhile, the state Commissioner of Information and Internal Security, Usman Tar, who confirmed the attack in a statement on Monday, called on the Armed Forces to track and neutralise the criminals

He said, “On Sunday, 12 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 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 Borno State Governor, Prof Babagana Umara Zulum, condemns this attack in strong terms and calls on the officers and men of Operation Hadin Kai to track and obliterate the insurgent elements that are operating at Dumba and other similar enclaves in the Lake Chad Area.”

He said Zulum commiserates with the victims and their families while assuring that those still missing will be found and reunited with their families.

“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.

“Let me assure the citizens of Borno that this matter will be thoroughly investigated for further necessary action. Let me use this opportunity to call on the armed forces to track and deal decisively with the perpetrators of this heinous act of violence against our innocent citizens,” he said

PUNCH online had reported that troops of the Multinational Joint Task Force, operating under Sector 3 in the Mongunu area of Borno State, recently intercepted and eliminated 15 terrorists during a clearance operation in the Kukawa Local Government Area.