‘Perpetrators must face justice’ — UN condemns killing of ’40 farmers’ in Borno

The United Nations (UN) has demanded that non-state actors who reportedly murdered 40 farmers in Dumba, Kukawa LGA of Borno state, be fished out and brought to justice.

On January 12, suspected members of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) killed the farmers, following a misunderstanding over payment of levies.

In a statement on Wednesday, Mohamed Fall, the UN humanitarian coordinator in Nigeria, described the attack as horrifying. 

He also extended condolences to the bereaved families and wished the injured a swift recovery.

“I am horrified by the recent mass killing of fishermen and farmers in Kukawa. Several people remain missing following the attack, which occurred on Jan. 12,” he said.

“The armed actors who perpetrated these attacks must be identified and brought to account.

“This attack serves as another grim reminder of the profound dangers civilians in Borno, Adamawa and Yobe states continue to face.”

Fall highlighted the string of attacks in conflict-ridden communities in Nigeria’s north-east. 

“In February 2024, Non-state Armed Groups (NSAGs) reportedly abducted hundreds of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Ngala while they ventured outside the safety of trenches to gather firewood,” he said.

“In June, several civilians were killed and others injured in suicide bomb attacks in Gwoza.

“In July, suspected insurgents attacked farmers in the Firgi community, also in Gwoza, killing an unspecified number of IDPs and abducting women and girls.

“In September, more than 100 men and boys were killed in Mafa, Tarmuwa LGA, Yobe state.”

The UN coordinator reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to assisting affected communities while urging stronger security measures to protect civilians.

“The UN continues to provide humanitarian assistance to people affected by insurgency in Borno, Adamawa and Yobe states, complementing efforts by the Nigerian government,” he added.