Boko Haram attack: 110 people killed on Borno farming community, says United Nations

The United Nations (UN) has disclosed that, at least 110 people killed were killed in the Boko Haram attack on a farming community in Jere Local Government Area, contrary to the claim of 40 deaths by the residents.

Penpushing reports that, the United Nations (UN) resident coordinator in Nigeria, Edward Kallon stated that the victims were ruthlessly killed, as well as many others wounded, lamenting that he was outraged and horrified by the gruesome attack against civilian carried out by the gunmen

“I am outraged and horrified by the gruesome attack against civilians carried out by non-state armed groups in villages near Borno State capital Maiduguri. At least 110 civilians were ruthlessly killed and many others were wounded in this attack,” Mr Kallon said.

“In early afternoon of 28 November, armed men on motorcycles led a brutal attack on civilian men and women who were harvesting their fields in Koshobe and other rural communities in Jere Local Government Area’.

“I extend my sincere condolences to the families of the civilians who lost their lives in this atrocious attack. I also wish a speedy recovery to those who were wounded in the incident,” he said.

Penpushing further reports that, Kallon added that  many women may have been kidnapped by the terrorists during the attack, something the Nigerian presidency kept mum about, adding, “we have also received reports that several women may have been kidnapped,”

The United Nations(UN) boss called for the immediate release and return to safety of the women, stressing, “my thoughts are also with the rural communities in the area, who are shocked by the brutality of yesterday’s attack and fear for their safety.

“The entire UN system and the humanitarian community working to provide life-saving and development assistance to the most vulnerable in Borno State is outraged by the incident”, Kallon said

Penushing also reports that, the world body official lamented that Saturday’s attack in Jere was the worst of such incidents this year in the troubled North-east that has suffered from Boko Haram attacks since 2009.

“The incident is the most violent direct attack against innocent civilians this year. I call for the perpetrators of this heinous and senseless act to be brought to justice. It is unfortunately one of too many such attacks targeting farmers, fishermen and families who are trying to recover some livelihood opportunity after over a decade of conflict’.

“I strongly condemn this attack and any act of violence against innocent civilians and I firmly urge all actors on the ground to respect international laws and humanity. Rural communities in Borno State are facing untold hardships’.

‘Helping them to farmland and rebuild livelihoods are amongst our priorities and the only way to avoid the looming food crisis in Borno State. They and all other civilians need to be protected and spared from any kind of violence’.

“Innocent women, children and men desperately need food and other support and assistance, particularly at a time when we are recording some of the highest levels of food insecurity in Borno State. We owe to do our utmost to help them survive these difficult times.”

Penpushing reports that, Kallon highlighted the difficulty in getting accurate data about casualties of Boko Haram attacks in Borno as several parts of the state are not easily accessible and the government deliberately downplays both civilian and military casualty.

Meanwhile, President Muhammed Buhari on Sunday condemned the attack, but kept mute on the casualty figure, just as the victims were buried on Sunday, with residents claiming that many others are yet to be accounted for as at the time of filing this report

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