At least 15 farmers and firewood gatherers have been killed in an attack on farmlands in Marte Local Government Area of Borno State.
The victims were reportedly ambushed around Ala and Musune wards on Wednesday evening while carrying out farming and other livelihood activities. Local sources said 18 people had gone to the area, but only 15 bodies had been recovered and buried as of Thursday, with three others still missing.
The Public Relations Officer of the Borno State Police Command, ASP Nahum Daso, confirmed the attack on Friday.
“Yes, there was an attack in Marte. 15 people were killed while others are still missing. Efforts are ongoing to determine their whereabouts,” Daso said.
He said details of the incident remained sketchy, adding that the police would provide further information after completing their data-gathering efforts.
Community sources identified the victims as peasant farmers and firewood gatherers, including young and elderly residents. One source alleged that the victims were restrained and killed at close range, while another said community members later recovered the bodies from the area and buried them according to Islamic rites. These details have not been independently verified by the police.
The attackers were suspected by local sources and Amnesty International to be members of Boko Haram or an affiliated insurgent group. Amnesty International condemned the killings and described the targeting of civilians as a serious violation of international humanitarian law.
The attack adds to continuing security concerns in parts of Borno, where farmers and other civilians face risks while accessing farmland and gathering resources for their livelihoods.
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