23 Killed in Violent Attack in Nigeria

At least 23 farmers and fishermen were killed in a violent attack by suspected Boko Haram militants in Borno State, northeastern Nigeria, last week, according to security sources and local residents.

The incident occurred on Thursday in the remote village of Malam Karanti, an area frequently targeted by insurgents due to its vulnerability and limited security presence. The militants reportedly rounded up farmers and fishermen near the village and executed them, with most of the victims believed to be groundnut farmers.

Local sources said the attackers spared an elderly man, who later returned to the community to report the massacre. Efforts by residents to retrieve the bodies were disrupted when the armed men returned and chased them away.

Borno State has been at the epicenter of a deadly insurgency for more than a decade, led by Boko Haram and its splinter group ISWAP (Islamic State West Africa Province). 

The conflict has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths and the displacement of millions across Nigeria’s northeast and neighboring countries.

Last month, the Governor of Borno admitted that Boko Haram had resumed attacks and kidnappings in the region, undermining recent gains claimed by security forces. The latest assault highlights the ongoing threat posed by insurgents and the challenges facing Nigerian authorities in securing rural communities.

Despite military operations aimed at eradicating terrorism in the northeast, vast areas remain unsafe, and civilians continue to be targeted in brutal attacks. 

Humanitarian agencies have repeatedly called for enhanced protection measures for civilians and stronger efforts to restore peace and stability in the region.