Kehinde Fajobi
The United Nations (UN) has called for the perpetrators of the murder of 40 farmers in Dumba, Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State, to be identified and brought to justice.
Suspected members of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) allegedly carried out the attack on January 12 following a dispute over levies imposed on the farmers.
In a statement, Mohamed Fall, the UN Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, condemned the killings, describing them as horrifying.
“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,” Fall 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 also highlighted a string of violent incidents in Nigeria’s north-east, including the abduction of hundreds of internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Ngala in February 2024 and a suicide bombing in Gwoza in June that left several civilians dead.
In July, suspected insurgents attacked farmers in Firgi, Gwoza, killing several IDPs and abducting women and girls. Another attack in September resulted in the deaths of over 100 men and boys in Mafa, Yobe State.
Fall reaffirmed the UN’s commitment to supporting affected communities while urging enhanced 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.