The United Nations(UN) on Sunday condemned the killing of 63 people, including soldiers, in Daral-Jamal, a community in Bama local government area of Borno State, by suspected Boko Haram terrorists.
The Darajamal attack is the latest in a series of violent assaults in Borno State, the epicentre of the Boko Haram insurgency that began in 2009.
The conflict has claimed over 35,000 lives and displaced more than 2 million people, according to the United Nations and humanitarian agencies.
Borno, along with neighbouring states ofAdamawa and Yobe, remains under frequent threat from Boko Haram and its splinter group, the Islamic State West Africa Province.
These groups often target rural communities, security forces, and humanitarian workers, using tactics such as ambushes, suicide bombings, and abductions.
The UN Humanitarian Coordinator, Mohamed Fall, who made the condemnation though a statement issued on Sunday, called on the Nigerian authorities to arrest the perpetrators of the attack.
“I am deeply appalled and saddened by Friday’s reported killing of dozens of civilians in Darajamal Village, Bama Local Government Area (LGA), in Borno State in north-east Nigeria. Civilians should never be a target! .Preliminary reports indicate that more than 50 civilians were killed when suspected members of a non-state armed group (NSAG) attacked Darajamal on the evening of 5 September,” the statement read.
Fall, who said that an unknown number of people were also allegedly abducted, with others fleeing with injuries, disclosed that at least 28 houses were also reportedly burned during the attack.
While stating that the number of casualties is expected to change as more information becomes available, the UN coordinator also commiserated with the families of the victims of the attack.
“On behalf of the United Nations in Nigeria, I convey my heartfelt condolences to the families of those killed and those affected, and to the Government and the people of Borno State and wish the injured a speedy recovery”, the statement said.
“I call on security authorities to apprehend the perpetrators of this heinous attack and swiftly bring them to justice. I also call for the immediate release of all those abducted,” Fall said, adding that this recent killing of civilians is yet another grim reminder of the toll of rising violent attacks and insecurity in Borno State this year.
“Multiple attacks against civilians have been recorded, leading to the deaths of hundreds of civilians in Borno alone. The attacks, ranging from targeted attacks on communities to internally displaced persons (IDP) camps, using improvised explosive devices, suicide bombings and other tactics, have targeted civilians, including farmers, fishermen, travellers and traders.
“Deadly attacks against civilians have also been recorded in neighbouring Adamawa and Yobe states, with a rural health centre, grain stores and a market among targeted areas. I reiterate my call to parties to the conflict to protect civilians as well as their property and to adhere to international humanitarian and human rights law.
“The UN reaffirms its commitment to continue supporting people affected by conflict to complement Government efforts”, Fall concluded.
