Terrorists suspected to be Boko Haram members have reportedly killed unknown number of farmers in the Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State, which occurred around the Kayakura in Kukawa village.
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 knew it, we started hearing gunshots and people running for cover” a resident simply identified as Bello Umaru said while another resident, Aisha Mohammad disclosed that some persons have gone missing in the community. “I do not have records. But there are faces that we could no longer find among us. A sister of mine has been looking for her son, who went to the farm since yesterday”, she said.
According to the state Commissioner of Information and Internal Security, Usman Tar, who confirmed the attack, called on the Armed Forces to track and neutralise the criminals. He said, “Armed militia, suspected to be Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists attacked some farmers and fishermen at Dumba community, near Baga in Kukawa LGA.
Initial report indicates about 40 farmers have been killed while the whereabouts of many, who escaped the attacks, 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 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”.
The commissioner further said Zulum had commiserated with the victims and their families while assuring that those still missing would 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”, Tar said.
It was gathered that some farmers had allegedly negotiated with a faction of ISWAP, paying levies to get access to their farmlands. The arrangement was to allow the farmers to cultivate their crops while another ISWAP group, who were not aware of the agreement, intercepted the farmers, opened fire and killed many of them.
The military had established secured perimeters where farmers and fishermen could operate under protection. An eye-witness said “Some farmers opted to negotiate directly with ISWAP, bypassing the safe zones, which ultimately resulted in tragic consequences”. The witness also stated that farmers and fishermen, who entered ISWAP-controlled areas, were used as “slaves, couriers or logistical suppliers when they failed to meet demands”.
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