The Borno State Police Command has launched a search for three farmers who remain missing after suspected Boko Haram terrorists attacked residents in Marte Local Government Area, killing 15 people.
The incident occurred on Wednesday evening in Ala and Musune wards, where the victims had reportedly gone to their farms and into the bush to gather firewood.
The state Police Public Relations Officer, Nahum Daso, confirmed the attack, saying 15 people were killed while efforts were underway to locate those still missing.
“Yes, there was an attack in Marte. Fifteen people were killed while others are still missing. Efforts are ongoing to determine their whereabouts,” Daso said.
He said details surrounding the incident were still emerging and that the command would provide additional information as the investigation and search operation progressed.
However, community sources said 18 farmers were attacked, with 15 bodies recovered and buried on Thursday in accordance with Islamic rites.
The victims were said to include young and elderly men, as well as married residents who had gone into the bush to cultivate their farms or collect firewood for their households.
A community source said the farmers were ambushed by the attackers, restrained and shot at close range.
“They were ambushed by terrorists while carrying out their daily work, bound, forced to lie down, and executed at close range,” the source said.
The source added that some of the victims were reportedly decapitated, making identification difficult.
“So far, we have buried 15 out of the 18; we are currently searching for three persons,” the source added.
Amnesty International condemned the killings, describing the attack as a serious violation of international humanitarian law and calling for stronger protection of vulnerable communities in the North-East.
The organisation said the victims were residents who had ventured into surrounding bush areas to gather firewood either to support their livelihoods or provide for their families.
Amnesty International urged the Federal Government to take immediate measures to protect communities exposed to attacks in the region and ensure that security responses comply with human rights standards.
The police search for the three missing farmers was still ongoing as of Friday.
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