At least 15 farmers and firewood gatherers have been killed in an attack by suspected Boko Haram terrorists in Marte Local Government Area of Borno State.

The victims were reportedly ambushed while carrying out their activities around Ala and Musune wards on Wednesday evening. Police confirmed the attack on Friday, October 2. 

The Public Relations Officer of the Borno State Police Command, Nahum Daso, confirmed that 15 people were killed, while efforts were ongoing to establish the whereabouts of others who remained missing.

“Yes, there was an attack in Marte. 15 people were killed while others are still missing. Efforts are ongoing to determine their whereabouts,” Daso said. 

According to local sources, 18 people had gone to the farms, but only 15 bodies were recovered and buried on Thursday, while three others remained unaccounted for.

The victims were said to include young men, married men and elderly residents who depended on farming and firewood gathering for their livelihoods.

A local source alleged that the victims were ambushed, restrained and executed at close range. The source also alleged that some of the victims were decapitated, making identification difficult. 

Community members reportedly retrieved the bodies from the scene and buried them according to Islamic rites.

Meanwhile, Amnesty International condemned the killings and called on the Nigerian authorities to take immediate measures to protect vulnerable communities in the region.

The organisation described the reported targeting of civilians as a serious violation of international humanitarian law and urged authorities to ensure the protection of residents living in areas affected by insurgency. 

The latest attack adds to continuing security concerns in Borno, where farmers and other rural residents remain vulnerable to attacks by insurgent groups operating in the North-East.