By Deborah Nnamdi
The United Nations has strongly condemned the attacks by suspected Boko Haram insurgents and the murder of 40 civilians in Dumba community, Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State, Nigeria.
The UN Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mohamed Fall, in a statement on Wednesday, denounced the attack targeted at fishermen and farmers in the area.
“I am horrified by the recent mass killing of fishermen and farmers in Kukawa. Several people remain missing following the attack, which occurred on January 12,” he said.
According to him, the perpetrators of the attack must be brought to justice in line with national and international human rights laws.
Recall that suspected terrorists of the Islamic State of West African Province (ISWAP) launched a deadly attack on Sunday, killing scores of farmers in Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State.
The UN Humanitarian Coordinator conveyed condolences to the bereaved families and wished the injured a quick recovery.
“The armed actors who perpetrated these attacks must be identified and brought to account. This attack serves as another grim reminder of the profound dangers civilians in Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe states continue to face,” he said.
He also expressed concern over the frequency of attacks on civilians in conflict-affected areas in 2024.
“In February 2024, Non-State Armed Groups (NSAGs) reportedly abducted hundreds of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Ngala LGA while they ventured outside the safety of trenches to gather firewood.
“In June, several civilians were killed, and others injured in suicide bomb attacks in Gwoza LGA.
“In July, suspected insurgents attacked farmers in the Firgi community, also in Gwoza LGA, killing an unspecified number of IDPs and abducting women and girls.
“In September, more than 100 men and boys were killed in an attack on Mafa in Tarmuwa LGA, Yobe State,” he said.
Fall also highlighted other violent incidents in the Dikwa, Logomane, Ngala, and Pulka areas of Borno.
While stressing the UN’s commitment to supporting the affected communities in collaboration with the government, Fall called for enhanced security measures to protect civilians.
