The Borno State Government has called on the military to track and neutralise Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists that killed 40 farmers in the state, but it also advised farmers to keep within safe corridors that have cleared by the military.
The government confirmed the terrorist attack on Dumba community, near Baga in Kukawa local government area of the state.
A counter-terrorism expert, Zagazola Makama, disclosed that the attack took place on Sunday.
According to him, the farmers had negotiated and paid levies to an ISWAP faction to gain access to the farmlands.
But another faction of the group, said to be unaware of the arrangement, ambushed and killed the farmers.
Abubakar Gamandi, chairman of the Lake Chad Fishermen Association, in his comments, disclosed farmers were killed after they went to the ISWAP enclave to farm. They had made an arrangement with ISWAP and paid them money.
“Unfortunately, another faction of ISWAP, unaware of the agreement, attacked them. This is what the survivors who escaped told us. Only when they all come out can we ascertain the total number of casualties,” he said.
Meanwhile the state governor, Prof. Babagana Zulum, condemned the attack and disclosed that the whereabouts of many who escaped the attack are being traced for reunion with their families.
In a statement on Monday, the Borno State Commissioner of Information and Internal Security, Prof Usman Tar gave an accountof what transpired: “On Sunday 12 January 2025, armed militia suspected to be Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists attacked some farmers and fishermen at Dumba community, near Baga in Kukawa LGA.
“Investigation has commenced on the circumstances behind this attack. Initial report indicates about 40 farmers have been killed while the whereabouts of many who escaped the attack 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 the 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. Gov Zulum also commiserates with the victims and their families, while assuring that those still missing will be found and reunited with the families.”
The governor’s words: “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.”
In comments putting part of the blame on the farmers, the statement said: “It was observed that the farmers strayed off the security corridor established by the security agencies, and went into an enclave that is yet to be cleared. Such enclaves are usually prone to nocturnal attacks by marauding terrorists, as well as being contaminated with landmines. Gov Zulum called on citizens not to venture beyond the safety zones that are demarcated by the government and security agencies.
“Gov Zulum highlighted that “the Government has clearly demarcated the land for safe farming and economic activities, allowing the military to focus on clearing the unsafe areas where security clearance and combat operations could be conducted. It is important for our citizens not to go into areas where there may be exchange of fires, or where the terrorists may be lurking and trespassing….
“The Borno Government also commends the armed forces for its consistent effort in ensuring that vast tracks of land are cleared for human resettlement and agriculture, consistent with Gov Zulum’s sustainable solutions to managing internal displacement in Borno State.
“The Borno Governments calls on farmers, fishermen and local communities to settle and carry out their legitimate activities within the “safe corridors” demarcated by the armed forces. The safe corridors consist of vast tracks of land which were cleared and decontaminated of explosives where settlement, fishing and farming could be safely carried out under the dutiful watch of our gallant security forces. It is dangerous to stray away from the demarcated safe corridors in order to enable the security forces to concentrate in safeguarding lives, while continuing to engage the terrorists without fear of the citizens being used as human shields by the terrorists. The Government also calls on citizens to report any sighting of strange movements within or near their settlements and farmlands for speedy action.”
