The United Nations has denounced the killing of 63 individuals, including military personnel, in Darajamal, a community within the Bama Local Government Area of Borno State, by suspected Boko Haram militants.
This incident marks the latest in a string of violent attacks in Borno State, which has been at the heart of the Boko Haram insurgency since it erupted in 2009.
According to the UN and humanitarian organizations, the ongoing conflict has resulted in over 35,000 deaths and the displacement of more than 2 million people.
Borno, along with the neighboring states of Adamawa and Yobe, continues to face regular threats from Boko Haram and its offshoot, the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP).
These groups often target rural communities, security forces, and humanitarian workers, using tactics such as ambushes, suicide bombings, and abductions.
In a statement released on Sunday, the UN Humanitarian Coordinator, Mohamed Fall, asked the Nigerian authorities to arrest the perpetrators of the attack.
The statement read, “I am deeply appalled and saddened by Friday’s reported killing of dozens of civilians in Darajamal Village, Bama Local Government Area (LGA), in Borno State in north-east Nigeria. Civilians should 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,” it said
The statement stated that 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”, he added.
He also commiserated with the families of the victims of the attack.
“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 the people of Borno State and wish the injured a speedy recovery”, the statement said.
Fall also said, “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.”
According to him, this recent killing of civilians is yet another grim reminder of the toll of rising violent attacks and insecurity in Borno State this year.
“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, travellers and traders.
“Deadly attacks against civilians have also been recorded in neighbouring Adamawa and Yobe states, with a rural health centre, grain stores and a market among targeted areas. 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.
“The UN reaffirms its commitment to continue supporting people affected by conflict to complement Government efforts”, Fall concluded.
Humanitarian operations in the North-East have also faced repeated disruptions, with aid workers among those killed in past attacks.
The UN and other international partners have consistently called for stronger protection for civilians, stressing that attacks on non-combatants violate international humanitarian law.
The Nigerian military has intensified counter-terrorism operations in recent months, claiming significant successes, including the neutralisation of insurgents and the rescue of abductees.
However, analysts say the persistence of attacks like the one in Darajamal underscores the ongoing security challenges in the region and the need for a comprehensive approach that combines military action with community resilience, deradicalisation, and economic recovery programmes.
