The United Nations has condemned the killing of scores of civilians in an attack by Boko Haram insurgents on Darajamal village in Bama Local Government Area of Borno State.
In a statement on Sunday, the UN’s Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mohamed Fall, described the incident as “deeply appalling and saddening,” stressing that civilians should never be targets in conflict.
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PREMIUM TIMES reported that more than 50 people were killed when the insurgents stormed the community on Friday evening.
An unknown number of residents were also abducted, while others sustained injuries and fled the area. At least 28 houses were reportedly set ablaze during the raid.
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“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,” Mr Fall said, while extending condolences to the victims’ families, the people of Borno State and the Nigerian government.
The incident was one of the deadly attacks by Boko Haram and its splinter group, the Islamic State West African Province (ISWAP).
Both groups have orchestrated many attacks this year, targeting civilians, security forces and public infrastructure.
The insurgency in the North-east has lingered for nearly two decades, with millions displaced and others killed, especially in areas that experts describe as BAY (Borno, Adamawa and Yobe) states.
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Mr Fall reiterated the UN’s call on parties to the conflict to respect international humanitarian and human rights law, protect civilians, and safeguard their property.
He further affirmed the UN’s commitment to supporting people affected by the conflict and complementing government response efforts.
