By Ayo Ayodele
The United Nations has strongly condemned the killing of dozens of civilians in Darajamal Village, Bama Local Government Area of Borno State, following a deadly attack on Friday night.
In a statement, the UN Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mohamed Fall, expressed deep shock and sorrow over the incident, stressing that “civilians should never be a target.”
Preliminary reports indicate that more than 50 people were killed when suspected non-state armed groups stormed the village on September 5. Several others were reportedly abducted, many fled with injuries, and at least 28 houses were set ablaze. The casualty figure is expected to rise as further details emerge.
Mr. Fall extended condolences on behalf of the United Nations to the bereaved families, the injured, and the people of Borno State. He called on security agencies to urgently track down the perpetrators and ensure justice, while also demanding the immediate release of those abducted.
“This attack is another grim reminder of the heavy toll that rising violence is taking on civilians in Borno and across the North-East,” Fall said, noting that hundreds of civilians have already lost their lives this year in similar assaults targeting farmers, fishermen, traders, and displaced persons.
The UN reiterated its commitment to supporting conflict-affected communities in collaboration with the Nigerian government.