Borno state Governor

Author: Gist Correspondent

Suspected fighters of Boko Haram have killed at least 20 people and abducted several others in Mafa Local Government Area of Borno State.

The victims, mostly loggers, were reportedly attacked on Tuesday while gathering firewood in a bush area within the council. Local residents and security sources confirmed the incident, describing it as a coordinated ambush.

A security source disclosed that the insurgents had earlier issued warnings to the loggers to vacate the area, accusing them of collaborating with the military by providing intelligence on their movements.

According to the source, the attackers struck while the victims were in the bush, killing more than 20 people and taking an unspecified number of others captive.

“They alleged that the loggers were spying for troops and revealing their hideouts, which led to recent military operations against them,” the source said.

The attack has heightened fears among residents, particularly displaced persons who depend on firewood gathering for survival.

Amnesty International Nigeria also confirmed the incident, stating that the victims included internally displaced persons who had ventured out to collect firewood.

The rights group reported that many of those killed had their throats slit or were shot at close range, while at least 30 others, including children, were abducted during the напад.

Amnesty International condemned the killings, describing them as part of a continuing pattern of violence by insurgents in the region.

The organisation further noted that the victims were among those repeatedly displaced by ongoing insurgency, making them even more vulnerable to attacks.

It called on Nigerian authorities to intensify efforts to safeguard civilians and ensure that perpetrators of such acts are brought to justice.

Borno State, the epicentre of the insurgency, has witnessed persistent attacks despite ongoing military operations aimed at restoring peace to the region.