ISWAP massacre 50 Farmers in Borno

Suspected Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists have brutally killed no fewer than 50 farmers in Malam Karanti village, Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State.

The horrific attack reportedly occurred on Thursday, following an ambush by rival Boko Haram fighters in the ISWAP-controlled area, situated about nine kilometres from Baga town.

According to Daily Trust, the farmers, alongside fishermen in the area, had been under the protection of an ISWAP commander identified as Amir Akilu, after reaching an arrangement which required them to pay levies.

However, tragedy struck when the commander was absent from the location, giving room for the terrorists to accuse the farmers of espionage and siding with enemies.

Local sources confirmed the attack, saying the victims, who had gone to harvest beans, were rounded up by the assailants, who threatened to kill anyone who attempted to flee.

One of the survivors narrated that many victims were slaughtered, while others were abducted during the raid.

“In fact, some of us had started harvesting beans when they struck.”

“They gathered us in one place and warned that anyone who tried to run would be shot.”

“Many chose to risk their lives by escaping, but over 50 people were killed on the spot, most of them slaughtered,” a survivor recounted.

It was also gathered that on Friday, the terrorists moved into Dawashi community, where they reportedly carried out similar attacks, though details of the casualties were yet to be confirmed as of the time of filing this report.

Neither security agencies nor government authorities have officially reacted to the tragic incident, which comes just five months after terrorists killed at least 40 farmers in Dumba community within the same Baga axis.