No fewer than 29 fishermen have been killed by Boko Haram terrorists in Borno state, Northeastern part of Nigeria.
The attack which took place at Mukdolo village in the Gamborun Ngala area of the state also left nine other fishermen with critical injuries.
The state Police Public Relations Officer, Sani Kamilu, who confirmed the report on Friday, March 10, 2023, said the incident happened on Wednesday, March 8, 2023.
It was reported earlier that dozens of the terrorists riding on motorcycles stormed the field shooting sporadically while they surrounded the rest of the 29 victims at gun points after the nine had escaped with injuries.
A source told an online platform, Zagazola Makama, that the attackers used fishing nets to wrap the fishermen, tortured and thereafter opened fire on them.
“They asked them to lie down. Thereafter, they used their fishing net and wrapped it around them before they started torturing them. After they became unconscious, they opened fire on them, killing them instantly,” the source was quoted as saying.
The bodies of the farmers were later recovered during a search and rescue operation by troops who received the news from victims who fled the attack scene.
Meanwhile, in a statement on issued by Matthias Schmale, the United Nations (UN) resident and humanitarian coordinator, said the attack is a reminder of the sufferings faced by residents in the 13 years of armed conflict in Nigeria’s northern region.
“The United Nations strongly condemns the reported ambush and brutal killing of more than 30 civilians in Mukdolo village in Ngala Local Government Area in Borno State yesterday,” the statement reads.
“Several people were also reportedly injured, and others are still missing following the deadly attack allegedly carried out by an armed group.
“On behalf of the United Nations, I extend my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and wish the injured who are recuperating a speedy recovery.
“The victims of this heinous attack were fishermen and farmers eking out a livelihood in a very insecure environment. They included both internally displaced persons (IDPs) and host community members from the neighbouring Dikwa Local Government Area.
“This deeply shocking attack is another horrific reminder of the real threats of violence and insecurity that IDPs and other people affected by more than 13 years of the non-international armed conflict in the region continue to face daily in their struggle to survive. The village of Mukdolo had been abandoned prior to the attack due to the activities of non-state armed groups.
“I remind all parties to the conflict to adhere to their obligations under international humanitarian and human rights law to protect civilians from harm.”
He called on state authorities to investigate the crime and swiftly bring the perpetrators to justice.