MAIDUGURI, Nigeria – Suspected Islamist militants killed at least 40 farmers in an attack on the Dumba community in Borno State on Sunday. The assailants are believed to be members of Boko Haram or its faction, Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), who have been terrorizing northeast Nigeria since 2009.
The attack took place amid an already dire food crisis in Borno, worsened by flooding and years of insurgency-driven displacement. According to Usman Tar, the state’s commissioner for information, the farmers likely ventured outside a designated military security corridor into an area known for insurgent activity and landmines.
Security forces are searching for any survivors of the attack. Governor Babagana Zulum condemned the assault and called for swift military action to track down those responsible. He also urged local farmers and fishermen to stay within the safe corridors outlined by the military.
