At least 63 people, including soldiers, have been killed in an attack on Darajamal village in Bama local government area of Borno State, north-east Nigeria, by suspected Boko Haram militants, according to local reports.
The United Nations condemned the incident, calling for those responsible to be brought to justice. The attack, which took place on Friday evening, also left many displaced after homes were set on fire.
In a statement, the UN Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mohamed Fall, described the killings as “heinous” and reiterated that civilians should never be a target. He expressed condolences to the families of the victims and urged security forces to ensure the safe release of those reportedly abducted during the assault.
Preliminary reports suggest more than 50 civilians were killed and at least 28 houses destroyed. The number of casualties is expected to rise as investigations continue.
Borno State has been at the centre of the Boko Haram insurgency since 2009. The conflict has killed more than 35,000 people and displaced over two million across the north-east, according to the UN and humanitarian agencies.
Mr Fall said the Darajamal attack was “yet another grim reminder” of the increasing toll of violence in the region this year, with civilians, aid workers, and local communities repeatedly targeted.
The Nigerian military has intensified counter-terrorism operations and claims to have recorded gains, including the neutralisation of insurgents and rescue of abductees. However, analysts say the continuing assaults highlight the need for a broader strategy combining security operations with community resilience and economic recovery programmes.
Humanitarian groups have also urged stronger protection for civilians and aid workers, stressing that attacks on non-combatants contravene international humanitarian law.
