UN Condemns Boko Haram Massacre in Borno
Boko Haram terrorists claimed at least 63 lives, including five soldiers and 58 civilians
The United Nations has strongly condemned a brutal attack by suspected Boko Haram terrorists in Darajamal village, Bama Local Government Area of Borno State, Nigeria, which claimed at least 63 lives, including five soldiers and 58 civilians. The Friday evening assault also saw an unspecified number of women and girls abducted, over 20 houses burned, and vehicles and food supplies destroyed, leaving many residents injured or displaced. UN Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mohamed Fall, called the massacre “shocking and appalling,” stressing that civilians must never be targets of violence. He urged Nigerian authorities to swiftly apprehend the perpetrators and secure the release of those abducted, highlighting the need for justice in the face of such atrocities.
The attack on Darajamal, a recently resettled community along the Bama-Banki road, underscores the persistent threat of Boko Haram in Nigeria’s northeast. The region, encompassing Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe states, has seen a surge in violent attacks this year targeting farmers, fishermen, traders, and internally displaced persons (IDP) camps. The ongoing insurgency, which began in 2009, has killed over 35,000 people and displaced more than 2 million, deepening the humanitarian crisis. The UN emphasized that such attacks violate international humanitarian law and called for increased protection for vulnerable communities.
Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum visited Darajamal on Saturday to console grieving families and assess the devastation. Describing the incident as “very sad,” he noted that the community had only recently been resettled before the attack disrupted their efforts to rebuild. Zulum advocated for the deployment of newly trained Forest Guards to bolster military efforts in securing rural areas, where Boko Haram often exploits security gaps. The governor’s visit reflects the state’s ongoing struggle to restore stability amid recurring violence.
The Darajamal massacre has sparked widespread outrage, with local leaders and international organizations demanding an end to the cycle of violence. The UN reiterated its commitment to supporting humanitarian efforts in Borno, where millions depend on aid to survive. As the region grapples with the aftermath, calls for stronger security measures and accountability grow louder. Residents, meanwhile, live in fear, with many fleeing to IDP camps or nearby towns, uncertain when peace will return to their communities.
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