Boko Haram resumes brutal Borno campaign killing 40 farmers and fishermen in brutal attack

TERRORIST sect Boko Haram appears to have resumed its brutal reign of terror in Borno State over the weekend after it attacked the Dumba community in the Kukawa Local Government Area killing at least 40 farmers and fishermen.

In a deadly attack which took place at around 4.30 pm on Sunday afternoon, dozens of farmers are believed to have been abducted by the militants. Professor Usman Tar, the Borno State commissioner for information and internal security, said they believed the terrorists believed to be members of Boko Haram and the Islamic State of West African Province (Iswap).

He added: “Investigation has commenced on the circumstances behind this 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.”

This attack came barely 24 hours after two people were killed and a church was set ablaze in a similar assault on the Chibok community, in the southern part of Borno State. According to Professor Tar, Governor Babagana Zulum condemned the attack in strong terms and called on the military to track and clear the insurgent elements operating in Dumba and other similar enclaves around the Lake Chad area.

Professor Tar said: "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. On behalf of the government, I sympathise with the victims’ families. Let me assure the citizens of Borno that this matter will be thoroughly investigated for necessary action.”

He added that the victims had ventured outside the security perimeters established by the government and military into areas not yet cleared of insurgents or landmines. Professor Tar urged residents to adhere to the safe corridors demarcated by security agencies to avoid such risks in the future.