Attack in Borno State Claims Lives of 23 Farmers and Fishermen

At least 23 farmers and fishermen were killed by suspected Islamist militants in Borno state, Nigeria. This attack adds to the ongoing violence led by Boko Haram and its offshoot. Local residents recounted the brutal nature of the raid, emphasizing the community’s attempts to recover the bodies. Kidnappings, particularly of school children, have become distressingly common in the region, undermining safety and stability.

In Borno state, northeastern Nigeria, a tragic attack has taken the lives of at least 23 farmers and fishermen, with others reported abducted by suspected Islamist militants. This incident, reported by Reuters, is part of the ongoing violence stemming from the insurgency fueled by Boko Haram and its splinter group, Islamic State West Africa Province. Local sources indicated that the brutal assault occurred in Malam Karanti on Thursday morning.

Sani Auwal, a resident of the area, relayed details of the incident, stating that militants assembled farmers and fishermen before executing 23 individuals, primarily bean farmers. Remarkably, they allowed an elderly survivor to escape who subsequently alerted the rest of the community. Another local, Usman Ali, added that when the community attempted to retrieve the bodies, they were forcibly driven away by the militants.

Borno’s governor recently acknowledged a resurgence of Boko Haram’s violent activities, marking a worrying decline in security that had previously seen some improvements. Just last month, attacks and kidnappings echoed through the state, illustrating the persistent threat and instability in the region.

In a development linked to the ongoing violence, last year saw the abduction of over 200 schoolchildren in Kuriga, an incident described as one of the most severe mass kidnappings since 2021. According to Idris Maiallura, a local councillor, gunmen initially seized around 100 primary school students but released some shortly after the attack. The chaotic situation left many parents and community members criticizing the insufficient security measures.

Kidnappings for ransom have, unfortunately, become a grim reality in northern Nigeria, disrupting lives and education. The last notable mass abduction of students occurred in July 2021 in Kaduna, where over 150 students were kidnapped in a single raid and were later released upon ransom payments.

The recent massacre in Borno state reflects the dire situation surrounding ongoing insurgent violence in Nigeria. With over 23 lives lost and persistent abductions, the state’s struggle with Boko Haram and other militant groups exacerbates an already precarious security landscape. Governmental acknowledgment of the resurgence of these attacks highlights the urgent need for effective security measures to safeguard communities and ensure the safety of children in schools.

Original Source: english.jagran.com