‘Civilians Should Never Be Target’, UN Condemns Killing Of Scores In Borno

The United Nations (UN) has condemned Friday’s deadly attack in Bama local government area of Borno State, where insurgents killed more than 50 civilians in Darajamal village.

The UN Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mohamed Fall, in a statement on Sunday, described the incident as “deeply appalling and saddening,” stressing that civilians must never be a target.

“Preliminary reports indicate that more than 50 civilians were killed when suspected members of a non-state armed group (NSAG) attacked Darajamal on the evening of 5 September. An unknown number of people were also allegedly abducted, with others fleeing with injuries. At least 28 houses were also reportedly burned during the attack. The number of casualties is expected to change as more information becomes available,” the statement read.

“On behalf of the United Nations in Nigeria, I convey my heartfelt condolences to the families of those killed and those affected, and to the Government and people of Borno State, and wish the injured a speedy recovery.”

Fall called on security agencies to bring the perpetrators to justice and demanded the immediate release of those abducted.

“I call on security authorities to apprehend the perpetrators of this heinous attack and swiftly bring them to justice. I also call for the immediate release of all those abducted.”

He also warned that the casualty figures could rise as more information emerges from the affected community.

The UN official noted that the massacre was part of a disturbing pattern of rising violence across Borno State this year.

This recent killing of civilians is yet another grim reminder of the toll of rising violent attacks and insecurity in Borno State this year.

He recalled that multiple attacks had been recorded in recent months, with hundreds of civilians killed in targeted assaults on rural communities and internally displaced persons (IDP) camps

“Multiple attacks against civilians have been recorded, leading to the deaths of hundreds of civilians in Borno alone. The attacks, ranging from targeted attacks on communities to internally displaced persons (IDP) camps, using improvised explosive devices, suicide bombings and other tactics have targeted civilians including farmers, fishermen, travelers and traders,” Fall said

Similar attacks, he said, have been carried out in neighbouring Adamawa and Yobe States, where a rural health centre, grain stores, and a local market have all been targeted.

“I reiterate my call to parties to the conflict to protect civilians as well as their property and to adhere to international humanitarian and human rights law,” Fall urged.

The United Nations reaffirmed its commitment to supporting people affected by the conflict in the northeast, pledging to continue complementing government efforts to provide relief and protection.