The United Nations has expressed grave concern over the recent massacre of fishermen and farmers in Borno State, reportedly carried out by a non-state armed group in Kukawa Local Government Area.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, Mohamed Fall, the UN Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, described the incident as horrific.
According to reports, at least 40 civilians were killed on January 12 in the Dumba community for allegedly violating a ban on farming activities imposed by the armed group. Many others are still missing, according to humanitarian agencies working in the neighboring Monguno Local Government Area.
Fall conveyed his condolences to the victims’ families and called for accountability, saying, “I am horrified by the recent mass killing of fishermen and farmers in Borno State’s Kukawa Local Government Area, reportedly carried out by members of a non-state armed group. On January 12, at least 40 men were reportedly killed in the Dumba community after allegedly breaching the group’s ban on farming. Several individuals remain missing, according to our humanitarian partners in neighboring Monguno.”
He continued, “On behalf of the UN in Nigeria, I extend my deepest condolences to the families of the victims and wish the injured a speedy recovery. The UN stands in solidarity with the people and government of Borno State. Those responsible for these heinous attacks must be identified and held accountable in accordance with national and international human rights laws.”
Fall also highlighted the ongoing risks faced by civilians in the conflict-affected areas of Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe states. This latest attack adds to a troubling pattern of violence in 2024, including the kidnapping of internally displaced persons in Ngala, suicide bombings in Gwoza, and a massacre in Yobe State’s Tarmuwa Local Government Area, where more than 100 men and boys were killed. Other areas in Borno, such as Dikwa, Logomane, Ngala, and Pulka, also experienced similar violent incidents.
The UN reaffirmed its commitment to assisting affected communities and called for increased security measures. It also urged all parties involved in the conflict to comply with international humanitarian law to ensure the protection of civilians.
“The UN remains committed to supporting those impacted by the conflict, complementing the efforts of the government. I also call for enhanced security measures and urge all conflict parties to uphold their obligations under international humanitarian law to safeguard civilians,” Fall added.
Follow the Neptune Prime channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va74ZvU2v1IqKByXoX3d
Do you have breaking news, interview request, opinion, suggestion, or want your event covered? Email us at neptuneprime2233@gmail.com
