Iliyasu Abdullahi Bah
The United Nations has issued a strong condemnation of the brutal attack on Darajamal village in Bama Local Government Area of Borno State, which resulted in the deaths of at least 63 people including 5 soldiers and 58 civilians on Friday evening. The assault is attributed to suspected Boko Haram insurgents.
In a strongly worded statement released on Sunday, the UN Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mr. Mohamed Fall, described the incident as “appalling” and called for an immediate and thorough investigation to identify and prosecute the perpetrators.
The attack targeted a community of resettled Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), destroying over 20 houses, vehicles, food supplies, and other essential belongings. Preliminary reports also indicate that an unconfirmed number of residents were abducted, while others sustained injuries and were forced to flee into nearby bushes.
“I am utterly horrified by the extreme violence perpetrated against civilians in Darajamal,” Fall stated. “This tragic event underscores the urgent need for enhanced protection of vulnerable communities in northeast Nigeria. Those responsible must be held accountable.”
The UN extended its deepest condolences to the families of the victims, the Borno State Government, and the people of Nigeria, while also calling for the immediate and unconditional release of all abducted individuals.
The organization highlighted that this massacre is part of a disturbing surge in violent attacks across the Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe states this year. Non state armed groups have increasingly targeted farmers, fishermen, traders, IDP camps, and rural communities, severely undermining humanitarian operations and livelihood activities.
Despite the deteriorating security situation, the UN reaffirmed its commitment to supporting conflict-affected populations in the region in close coordination with Nigerian authorities and humanitarian partners.
The Darajamal massacre has drawn widespread outrage from national and international actors, with many calling for more robust military and civil measures to protect civilians and prevent further atrocities.
As of compilation of this report, the Nigerian Army had yet to issue an official statement regarding the incident or its response operations.