BORNO, NIGERIA – A brutal attack by suspected Islamist militants claimed the lives of at least 23 farmers and fishermen in northeastern Nigeria this week, according to accounts from local residents and security officials.
The incident took place on Thursday morning in the remote village of Malam Karanti, located in Borno State, a region plagued by over a decade of insurgent violence. Eyewitnesses and community members confirmed that gunmen believed to be affiliated with Boko Haram or the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) launched the attack.
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One resident, Sani Auwal, told reporters via phone that the militants rounded up several farmers and fishermen in the area and executed them, sparing only an elderly man who later relayed the grim news to nearby villagers. “Most of those killed were bean farmers,” Auwal revealed.
Efforts by the community to recover the bodies were thwarted by the armed assailants, who chased them away, said Usman Ali, another local resident.
As of the time of reporting, the Nigerian military had not made any official statements regarding the incident. Attempts by reporters to reach military spokespersons by phone and text messages received no response.
The attack is the latest in a series of violent incidents in Borno State, a hotspot in the ongoing conflict involving Boko Haram and ISWAP militants. Despite claims of progress from security forces, violence has intensified in recent months.
In April, Governor Babagana Zulum publicly acknowledged the rise in militant activities, expressing concern over the resurgence of attacks and kidnappings that have destabilized several communities across the state.
The insurgency, which began in 2009, has resulted in the deaths of tens of thousands and displaced millions, creating one of the world’s most dire humanitarian crises.
Stay with us for updates as this story develops.