At least 63 people, including five soldiers and 58 civilians, were killed in a brutal attack by suspected Boko Haram insurgents on the community of Darajamal, near Bama, on Friday evening. The majority of the victims were Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) who had only recently returned to resettle in the area after fleeing previous violence.
The attack, which has drawn both local and international condemnation, also saw the destruction of more than 20 houses, vehicles, food items, and other valuables belonging to the resettled residents. Several people remain missing or unaccounted for, while others sustained injuries or fled into the surrounding bushlands.
Governor Babagana Umara Zulum visited Darajamal on Saturday to console grieving families and assess the extent of the devastation. Visibly moved, he described the incident as a “brutal act against innocent people striving to rebuild their lives.”
“We are here to commiserate with the people of Darajamal over what happened last night that has claimed the lives of many people. It is very sad,” Governor Zulum said.
“This community was resettled a few months ago and had begun normal activities. Unfortunately, they were attacked by Boko Haram. Our visit is to mourn with them and build their resilience.”
Confirming the casualty toll, the governor stated that 63 people lost their lives, comprising 58 civilians and five soldiers.
The governor acknowledged the shortage of military personnel in the region and called for the immediate deployment of newly trained Forest Guards to protect vulnerable communities in Borno.
“The numerical strength of the military is not enough to cover everywhere. Two sets of Forest Guards have been trained, and we need to deploy them immediately to secure forests and communities at risk,” he added.
Senator Kaka Shehu Lawan, who represents Borno Central (which includes Darajamal), also condemned the killings, labeling the attack a “crime against humanity.” He pledged to work with the governor to push for legislative measures aimed at restoring peace and bolstering security in the region.
In the aftermath of the attack, the United Nations issued a strong condemnation. In a statement released on Sunday, Mohamed Fall, the UN Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, called the incident “appalling” and urged Nigerian authorities to bring the perpetrators to justice.
“Preliminary reports indicate that more than 50 civilians were killed when suspected members of a non-state armed group attacked Darajamal. An unknown number of people were also abducted, and others fled with injuries,” Fall said.
He extended condolences to the families of the victims and called for the immediate release of those abducted.
The UN noted that this latest attack reflects an escalating wave of violence in Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe States throughout the year, with repeated targeting of farmers, fishermen, traders, IDP camps, and rural communities.
The Darajamal massacre is a stark reminder of the ongoing insecurity facing Nigeria’s northeast, even as displaced communities attempt to return home and rebuild.
