Suspected Boko Haram/Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists have killed 15 villagers who went into the bush to collect firewood in Marte Local Government Area of Borno State.
Gatekeepers News reports that the incident occurred on Thursday, October 1, according to the Borno State Police Command.
Nahum Daso, the police spokesperson, confirmed the killings to TheCable on Friday, saying the state Commissioner of Police, Nasiru Abdulmajid, had ordered an investigation into the incident.
“From the preliminary report we got from the divisional police officer it indicated that 15 individuals were unfortunately killed by suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists,” Daso said.
Reports said the victims had gone into the bush around Ala and Musune wards to gather firewood and carry out farming activities when they were attacked.
Local sources said 18 people were in the area, with 15 bodies recovered and buried according to Islamic rites, while three others remained missing.
The attack has further raised concerns over the security situation in communities across Borno, where residents continue to face threats from insurgent groups while trying to farm and obtain basic necessities.
The killings came as troops under Operation Hadin Kai conducted operations against insurgents in Adamawa State. According to counter-insurgency sources, the troops killed 16 insurgents during operations conducted between September 30 and October 1, although three soldiers were also killed in the engagements.
Amnesty International also condemned the killings, describing the incident as a serious violation of international humanitarian law and calling on the authorities to take measures to protect vulnerable communities in the North-East.
