The United Nations on Sunday strongly condemned the killing of 63 people in Borno State following an attack by suspected Boko Haram terrorists.
The assault on Darajamal, a community along the Bama–Banki Road in the Sambisa Forest, left five soldiers and 58 civilians dead. Insurgents also razed over 20 houses, vehicles, food supplies, and other valuables belonging to resettled Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs).
In a statement, UN Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mohamed Fall, described the incident as “deeply appalling and saddening,” stressing that “civilians should never be a target.”
Preliminary reports indicate that more than 50 civilians were killed, an unknown number abducted, and many others injured during the September 5 attack. At least 28 houses were reportedly burned, with casualty figures expected to rise as more details emerge.
Fall extended condolences to the families of the victims, the Government, and the people of Borno State, while wishing the injured a speedy recovery. He urged Nigerian authorities to swiftly apprehend the perpetrators and ensure the immediate release of those abducted.
“The recent killing of civilians is yet another grim reminder of the rising toll of violent attacks and insecurity in Borno this year,” the statement added. “Multiple assaults on communities and IDP camps, involving improvised explosive devices, suicide bombings, and other tactics, have led to hundreds of civilian deaths.”
Similar attacks have also been reported in neighbouring Adamawa and Yobe States, where insurgents have targeted markets, grain stores, and even rural health centres.
Reiterating the UN’s call for all parties to the conflict to protect civilians and respect international humanitarian law, Fall affirmed the organisation’s commitment to continue supporting conflict-affected populations in collaboration with the Nigerian Government.
