In a harrowing incident, a minimum of 23 farmers and fishermen were killed by Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) militants in the village of Malam Karanti, situated close to Baga in Borno State’s Kukawa Local Government Area.
According to reports, the attack transpired on Thursday morning in the village, located just five kilometres from Baga. Sources revealed that the assailants corralled local farmers and fishermen before executing 23 bean farmers.
One elderly man, who was fortunate enough to escape death, later alerted the community. “The terrorists assembled individuals in Malam Karanti and carried out the killings. The majority of the victims were bean farmers,” a source recounted.
Efforts by residents to recover the bodies were thwarted when ISWAP launched a secondary attack.
“We attempted to organise a rescue mission alongside security agencies to recover the bodies, but the terrorists returned and obstructed our actions. Many families are left waiting for news of their loved ones,” another source reported.
Malam Karanti has emerged as an ISWAP stronghold, where civilians persist in farming and fishing despite the lurking dangers.
Meanwhile, Chief of Defence Staff General Christopher Musa visited on Thursday, promising the residents of Borno State and the North-East that the military is actively engaged in efforts to eliminate the terrorist threat and dismantle their strongholds.
He stated that the military is working in concert with allied nations, including Russia and France, to deploy advanced weaponry that could expedite the resolution of the conflict.
General Musa also highlighted that rejuvenating Lake Chad would enhance troop mobility in the region, allowing for a targeted approach against ISWAP, who exploit the Chad Basin’s economic resources to strengthen their operations.
On Friday, General Musa reiterated the military’s dedication to tackling the recent surge in insecurity.
He made this commitment known during a briefing with State House journalists following a closed-door meeting with President Tinubu and defence chiefs at the Aso Rock Villa. He confirmed that new equipment has been secured to bolster the fight against the recent uptick in attacks, especially in the north.
“Mr President has provided clear directives on how to escalate our efforts and collaborate with our neighbouring countries, as their porous borders contribute to our troubles,” he asserted.
“Our operational theatres have been fortified, additional equipment has been acquired, and Mr President has approved resources for air support and other security initiatives. We understand that both kinetic and non-kinetic strategies are crucial.”
He further noted that discussions are ongoing with governors to ensure that the benefits of democracy reach local communities, aiming to collectively address the issue of insecurity.
