At least 17 residents have been confirmed dead after suspected Boko Haram insurgents launched fresh attacks on communities in Guzamala and Nganzai local government areas of Borno State, triggering new fears in already fragile resettled zones.
Authorities said the victims were discovered during search and recovery operations carried out after the raids on Guzamala-Abbari village and nearby settlements. Twelve of the bodies were recovered from the Guzamala axis and buried in Monguno, while five others found in Nganzai area were laid to rest in Gajiram.
Confirming the development, the Speaker of the Borno State House of Assembly, Abdulkarim Lawan, said the attacks affected people from his constituency and described the killings as devastating. He said several residents are still missing, with rescue teams continuing to comb surrounding bushes and settlements.
He expressed sympathy with bereaved families and offered prayers for the deceased and injured, calling for urgent steps to restore lasting peace in the affected communities.
The attacked village is located roughly 15 kilometres from Mairari, one of the communities recently reopened for resettlement. Security concerns remain high across Guzamala LGA, where the council headquarters in Gudumbali has long been deserted due to insurgent control and repeated attacks.
Lawan again urged federal authorities and the military to intensify clearance operations in the area and fast-track the return of full civil administration.
