The terror group Boko Haram, alongside its affiliate, the Islamic State of West African Province (ISWAP), launched a brutal attack on the Dumba community in Kukawa Local Government Area, leaving at least 40 farmers dead. The incident, which occurred on Sunday at approximately 4:30 p.m., has left many families devastated, as numerous individuals are still missing and feared abducted.
The Borno State Commissioner for Information and Internal Security, Professor Usman Tar, confirmed the tragic event in a statement on Monday. He revealed that investigations are underway to understand the circumstances surrounding the attack. “Initial reports indicate about 40 farmers have been killed, while the whereabouts of many who escaped the attack are being traced for reunion with their families,” said Tar.
This devastating assault came less than 24 hours after another attack in the Chibok community, where two people were killed, and a church was set ablaze. Governor Babagana Zulum has condemned these attacks, calling them heinous and urging the military to intensify operations against the insurgents.
Local sources reported that the victims in Dumba had unknowingly ventured beyond a military-designated safety perimeter. These zones, established to protect residents, demarcate areas cleared of terrorist threats and landmines. Despite these measures, some farmers strayed into unsafe territories, where they were ambushed.
Kukawa has a history of suffering from such violence, with the region experiencing multiple attacks since 2014. The December 2019 attack on Baga, Kukawa’s administrative hub, displaced thousands of residents, highlighting the ongoing instability in the area.
Governor Zulum extended his condolences to the affected families and stressed the importance of adhering to safety guidelines. “With deep sorrow and anguish, I received the sad news of the attack on Dumba where scores of our farmers and fishermen were killed by terrorists,” he stated, urging residents to respect safe zones to prevent future tragedies.
