14 Farmers, 2 Civilian JTF Members Killed in Borno Boko Haram Attack

In a devastating attack on rural Borno, Boko Haram insurgents have killed 14 farmers and two members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF).

The incidents occurred in the Gwoza Local Government Area, with the victims targeted while going about their daily activities.

On Friday, two Civilian JTF members were ambushed by insurgents while returning from a routine patrol near the Sabon-Gari area. The attackers opened fire on their vehicle, killing both men instantly and injuring their driver. The assailants then fled the scene, leaving the community in shock.

The following day, the insurgents struck again, targeting farmers heading to their fields in a separate attack. The 14 farmers, all from the same community, were reportedly ambushed and gunned down as they made their way to work.

Local sources say that the insurgents, believed to be affiliated with Boko Haram, took advantage of the farmers’ vulnerability, knowing that the region is often left exposed due to insufficient security.

This latest attack highlights the continued insecurity faced by civilians in northeast Nigeria, where Boko Haram has terrorized communities for years. The Civilian JTF, a group of local volunteers who assist the military in fighting insurgents, have become a target for the extremists, who view them as an extension of the government forces.

Governor Babagana Umara Zulum of Borno State condemned the attacks, calling for swift action to improve security in rural areas. Local officials have also urged for enhanced protection for farmers, whose livelihoods are increasingly at risk in the face of insurgent violence.

Boko Haram’s ongoing insurgency continues to destabilize the region, making it one of the most dangerous areas in Nigeria. While the military has intensified its efforts to rid the area of insurgents, the persistent violence, particularly targeting civilians, serves as a grim reminder of the challenges that lie ahead in achieving lasting peace in Borno and other northeast states.

As the situation continues to deteriorate, many are calling for more effective counter-insurgency strategies to safeguard the lives of innocent civilians who are often caught in the crossfire.