BY FOLORUNSHO SUNDAY OLALERE
Fresh Boko Haram attacks in Borno State have left no fewer than 63 people dead, including five soldiers and 58 civilians, triggering outrage from the United Nations, former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, and Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume.
All four have demanded urgent government action to halt the country’s worsening security crisis.
The attacks, which occurred on Friday, targeted Darajamal community in Bama Local Government Area and Monguno Local Government Area. In Darajamal, insurgents stormed the resettled community in large numbers, killing both civilians and troops, abducting several women and girls, and torching more than 20 houses, vehicles, and food stores. In Monguno, two Immigration officers were killed in a separate assault.
Troops of the North East Joint Task Force, Operation Hadin Kai, backed by the Air Component, engaged the terrorists in a fierce gun battle, reportedly killing over 30 of the attackers as they attempted to flee. Despite the military’s counter-response, the death toll among civilians has continued to spark condemnation nationwide.
UN condemns civilian killings
United Nations Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mohamed Fall, described the massacre as “shocking and appalling.”
He insisted civilians must never be targets of armed groups and urged authorities to bring the perpetrators to justice.
In his words: “I am deeply saddened by Friday’s reported killing of dozens of civilians in Darajamal, Bama Local Government Area. Civilians should never be a target! Preliminary reports indicate that more than 50 civilians were killed, with others abducted and many fleeing with injuries. At least 28 houses were burned during the attack.”
He extended condolences to the bereaved families and people of Borno State, adding: “This recent killing of civilians is yet another grim reminder of the toll of violent attacks in Borno this year. Hundreds of civilians have already been killed. I reiterate my call to all parties to protect civilians and adhere to international humanitarian and human rights law.”