Suspected Boko Haram Fighters Kill 15 Farmers In Borno

Suspected Boko Haram terrorists have reportedly killed 15 farmers in an ambush in Marte Local Government Area of Borno State, while three other persons remain missing.

The attack reportedly occurred on Wednesday evening around Ala and Musune wards of the local government area as the victims worked on their farmlands.

According to local sources, 18 people had gone to the farms, but only 15 bodies had been recovered as of Thursday. The bodies were subsequently buried, while efforts continued to locate the missing persons.

The Police Public Relations Officer of the Borno State Command, Nahum Daso, confirmed the incident to PUNCH Online on Friday.

“Yes, there was an attack in Marte. Fifteen people were killed while others are still missing. Efforts are ongoing to determine their whereabouts,” Daso said.

He added that details of the incident were still sketchy, noting that the command would provide further information after completing its data-gathering exercise.

A local source, who requested anonymity, said the farmers were allegedly ambushed by the attackers while carrying out their daily activities.

According to the source, the victims were reportedly restrained, forced to lie down and executed at close range.

The source further alleged that some of the victims were decapitated, while several bodies were said to have suffered severe mutilation.

“Many people were killed. Some were not even recognisable. So far, we have buried 15 out of the 18; we are currently searching for three persons,” the source said.

Another source said community members retrieved the bodies from the farmlands and buried them in accordance with Islamic rites.

The incident adds to security concerns in Borno State, which has endured years of insurgency by Boko Haram and other armed groups. Police authorities have yet to provide further details about the attack or the whereabouts of the missing persons.