Amnesty International Demands End to Boko Haram Vicious Killing Spree

In a statement to condemn the killing of more than 40 civilians by the terrorist group, AI said Boko Haram must be held to account for its years of atrocities, including war crimes in the country.

On Sunday, January 12, 2025, members of the terror organisation attacked the victims on farming communities in Borno State, killing the inhabitants at close range.

In the statement, AI condemned in strong terms “the executions of these civilians which, once again, shows Boko Haram’s utter disregard for the sanctity of human life and for rules of international humanitarian law.”

“Boko Haram must be held to account for its years of atrocities, including war crimes,” the organisation declared in the statement.

“Our findings show that Boko Haram rounded up the farmers and fishermen, separated the men and shot them at close range.

“Those who attempted to flee were pursued and killed while dozens more were injured. A search for dead bodies is still ongoing while a mass burial is being planned for those killed.

“As well as killings targeting civilians, Boko Haram continues to abduct women and girls and extensively loot property.

“The fact that such atrocities remain commonplace shows that more needs to be done to protect civilians and ensure that families of victims receive reparation and justice,” it stated.

Over the weekend, Boko Haram fighters executed over 40 farmers and fishermen at Dumba community near Baga Borno state northeast.

A resident of Baga told AI that dozens of people have been injured and many are missing. Those killed have been buried.

Since 2020, Boko Haram has been targeting farmers and farmers around the Lake Chad. The armed conflict in northeast Nigeria has been ongoing since at least 2011 and it has created a humanitarian crisis, with more than 2 million people displaced, according to the United Nations.

Amnesty International has repeatedly documented crimes under international law and other serious violations of international human rights and humanitarian law committed by both Boko Haram and the Nigerian military in the context of the conflict in northeast Nigeria.