United Nations has strongly denounced a brutal assault by suspected Boko Haram insurgents in Borno State, Nigeria, where 63 individuals, including five soldiers and 58 civilians, lost their lives in Daral-Jamal, a community along the Bama-Banki Road in the Sambisa Forest.
The attackers also set fire to over 20 homes, vehicles, food supplies, and other possessions belonging to resettled Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs).
In a statement, UN Humanitarian Coordinator Mohamed Fall expressed profound sorrow, stating, “I am deeply appalled and saddened by Friday’s reported killing of dozens of civilians in Darajamal Village, Bama Local Government Area.”
He urged Nigerian authorities to apprehend those responsible, emphasizing, “Civilians should never be a target!”
Fall extended condolences to the victims’ families and the people of Borno State, wishing a speedy recovery to the injured.
Preliminary reports indicate that on the evening of September 5, suspected members of a non-state armed group killed over 50 civilians, abducted others, and left several injured.
“At least 28 houses were also reportedly burned during the attack,” Fall noted, adding that casualty figures may rise as more details emerge.
He called for the immediate release of those abducted and swift justice for the perpetrators.
The UN highlighted the escalating violence in Borno, where multiple attacks this year have claimed hundreds of civilian lives through methods like improvised explosive devices and suicide bombings. Similar violence has spilled into Adamawa and Yobe states, targeting rural health centers, markets, and grain stores.
Fall reiterated, “Parties to the conflict must protect civilians and adhere to international humanitarian and human rights law.”
The UN remains committed to supporting conflict-affected communities alongside government efforts.
