The United Nations has issued a strong condemnation following the brutal attack by suspected Boko Haram insurgents, which resulted in the death of 40 civilians in the Dumba community, Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State, Nigeria. Mohamed Fall, the UN Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, expressed his horror over the mass killing of fishermen and farmers that took place on January 12.
Fall emphasized the need for justice, stating, “The perpetrators of the attack must be brought to justice in line with national and international human rights laws.” He highlighted the ongoing threat to civilians in Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe states, areas frequently targeted by non-state armed groups.
This recent attack adds to a series of violent incidents in 2024, including:
The abduction of hundreds of IDPs in Ngala LGA in February while gathering firewood.
Suicide bomb attacks in Gwoza LGA in June, causing multiple casualties.
The killing and abduction of people in Firgi community, Gwoza LGA, in July.
A deadly assault in Mafa, Tarmuwa LGA, Yobe State, in September, where over 100 men and boys were killed.
Fall extended his condolences to the families of the victims and wished for the swift recovery of the injured. He underscored the UN’s commitment to supporting the affected communities in cooperation with the Nigerian government, while also calling for improved security measures to safeguard civilians.
The statement from the UN serves as a stark reminder of the continuous peril faced by civilians in northeast Nigeria due to insurgent activities, urging for both immediate action to protect residents and long-term strategies to address the root causes of such violence.
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