Report has it that suspected Boko Haram fighters killed dozens of civilians and soldiers in Darul Jamal, a community in Bama Local Government Area of Borno State.
The attack which was reported that it happened around 9:00 at Friday night, 5th September as the local and security sources confirmed the incident.
It further stated that an unknown number of people were allegedly abducted, with others fleeing with injuries, adding that atleast 28 houses were also reportedly burned during the attack.
The United Nations in a statement released by the Nigeria Humanitarian Coordinator, Mohamed Fall called on security authorities to apprehend the perpetrators of this heinous attack and swifily bring them to justice.
According to him, “This recent killing of civilians is yet another grim reminder of the toll of rising violent attacks and insecurity in Borno State this year.
“Multiple attacks against civilians have been recorded leading to the deaths of hundreds of civilians in Borno alone.
“The attacks, ranging from targeted attacks on communities to internally displaced persons (IDP) camps, using improvised explosive devices, suicide bombings and other tactics have targeted civilians including farmers, fishermen, travelers and traders.
“Deadly attacks against civilians have also been recorded in neighbouring Adamawa and Yobe states with a rural health centre, grain stores and a market among targeted areas.
The UN reiterated call to parties to the conflict to protect civilians as well as property and to adhere to international humanitarian and human rights law while
reaffirmsed its commitment to continue supporting people affected by conflict to complement Government efforts.
He on behalf of the United Nations conveyed the heartfelt condolences to the families of those killed and those affected, and to the Government and the people of Borno State and wished the injured a speedy recovery.
Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar who on X said he is saddened by the tragic killing by the insurgents in Borno State said, this senseless violence is a painful reminder of the heavy price the people continue to pay in the face of terror.
“My heartfelt condolences go to the bereaved families, the resilient people of Borno, and Governor Babagana Zulum, whose swift compassion in visiting the affected community is commendable”, he added.
The 2023 Labour Party Presidential candidate, Peter Obi in his reaction on X said, “The killing of eight NSCDC officers, the abduction of a Chinese national in Edo, the kidnapping of passengers on the Benin–Iyere–Oluku road.
“And slaughter of five soldiers and the 58 civilians in Borno State are not isolated tragedies. They are stark evidence that Nigeria is in the grip of a full-blown security emergency”.
He added, “No nation can prosper while its citizens live under siege. History shows that insecurity is the quickest path to national collapse — Somalia and Libya stand as painful warnings.
“We must act now, with urgency and courage, to prevent a total descent into anarchy and rebuild Nigeria into a safe, secure, and productive nation for all”, the former Governor concluded.
The Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, visited the community on Saturday, described the killings as very sad and commiserated with the victims’ families while called for the urgent deployment of newly trained Forest Guards.
“We are here to commiserate with the people of Darajamal over what happened last night that has claimed the lives of many people. It is very sad,” the governor revealed while speaking to journalists.
According to him, the community had only been resettled a few months ago and residents had returned to normal activities before the tragedy struck.
The governor confirmed that 63 people were killed in the attack, including nearly 60 civilians and five soldiers, noting that the civilian deaths were higher.
The governor noted that the military alone cannot cover all vulnerable areas in the state and emphasized the need to deploy Forest Guards to strengthen security in rural communities.
“We must understand that the number of military personnel is not sufficient to provide security in all areas. So far, so good, two sets of Forest Guards have been trained.
“Therefore, one of the solutions that we need to implement immediately is to deploy the trained Forest Guards to most of the locations that are vulnerable. They will protect the forest and communities,” Zulum said.
The Amnesty International while strongly condenming the killing in Dara-Jamal town of Borno state said the attack was vicious, unlawful and demonstrates the Boko harams’ contemptible disregard for human life.
Darul Jamal is a village recently resettled by Governor Zulum after residents had lived for years as internally displaced persons (IDPs).
The people of Dara Jamal were displaced several times and returned back to their homes less than six months ago, after they were given assurance that security has been restored. Before the tragedy Boko Haram has been repeatedly launching attacks on the town.
