BORNO: Boko Haram kills 40, abducts scores in fresh attack

Many others are missing and feared abducted after the attack, which occurred around 4:30 p.m. on Sunday.

Borno State Commissioner for Information and Internal Security, Prof. Usman Tar, confirmed the incident in a statement yesterday, noting that investigations are underway.

“Preliminary reports indicate about 40 farmers were killed, and efforts are ongoing to locate and reunite survivors with their families,” he said.

The attack comes less than 24 hours after a similar incident in Chibok, where two people were killed and a church was set ablaze.

Governor Babagana Zulum strongly condemned the attacks, urging the military to neutralize insurgents operating in Dumba and other enclaves around the Lake Chad region.

Sources revealed that the victims had ventured beyond military-marked security perimeters, exposing themselves to danger.

Since 2014, Kukawa has endured multiple devastating attacks, including the sacking of Baga in December 2019 by Boko Haram, resulting in mass displacements.

Governor Zulum expressed sorrow over the recent tragedy and urged residents to adhere to safe farming zones demarcated by security forces.

He also lauded the military’s efforts to secure land for farming and resettlement as part of long-term strategies to address displacement.

Meanwhile, the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, addressed recent concerns about military airstrikes.

He emphasized that airstrikes are conducted with precision and denied claims of deliberate targeting of civilians.

Speaking on insurgents’ tactics, he revealed that terrorists have resorted to systematically impregnating women to create a new generation of fighters, with over 60,000 children among the 120,000 insurgents who have surrendered.

Musa also highlighted ongoing collaborations with international organizations to disrupt terrorist financing, calling it vital to cutting off resources that sustain these groups.

He criticized false reports aiming to demoralize the military and confirmed plans to pursue legal action against Reuters for allegations about a forced abortion program, which were later disproven.

The House of Representatives Committee on Army has pledged increased budgetary support for the military to address insecurity and improve troop welfare.

The committee commended the Army’s 2024 budget performance and vowed to ensure adequate resources for addressing the nation’s security challenges.