Suspected Islamic militants killed 40 farmers in an attack on the Dumba community in Borno state in northeastern Nigeria on Sunday (12), a senior state official said on Monday (13).
The militants are believed to belong to the armed group Boko Haram and its offshoot Islamic State, West Africa Province (ISWAP), which have waged a deadly insurgency in northeastern Nigeria since 2009 that has displaced millions and killed thousands, with Borno in the its epicenter.
Sunday’s attack comes amid a worsening food crisis in the region, amplified by September’s floods and years of insecurity and displacement caused by the insurgency.
Initial reports indicate that the farmers strayed from a military-created security corridor into an area known for insurgent activity, rife with landmines, said Usman Tar, information commissioner.
Security forces were looking for farmers who had escaped the attack, Tar added.
In a statement, Borno Governor Babagana Zulum condemned the action and called on the military to “trace down and deal decisively with the perpetrators”.
He said the attack would be investigated and called on farmers and fishermen in the region to operate within safe corridors demarcated by the military.
Boko Haram and ISWAP have stepped up attacks in Borno since the turn of the year, with a failed ambush on a military patrol last week that left 34 militants dead. Six soldiers were killed in action.
This content was originally published in Attack in Nigeria leaves 40 farmers dead amid food crisis on the CNN Brasil website.
Source: CNN Brasil

Bruce Belcher is a seasoned author with over 5 years of experience in world news. He writes for online news websites and provides in-depth analysis on the world stock market. Bruce is known for his insightful perspectives and commitment to keeping the public informed.