Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno state has strongly condemned Sunday’s deadly attack on farmers and fishermen at Dumba, near Baga in Kukawa Local Government Area, by suspected ISWAP terrorists.

Usman Tar, the state Commissioner for Information and Internal Security, disclosed this in a statement released Monday in Maiduguri, the state capital.

Mr Tar said initial reports indicated that the attackers killed about 40 people, and several others fled into nearby areas while efforts were underway to trace the survivors and reunite them with their families.

He said Mr Zulum expressed deep sorrow over the incident and called on the Nigerian Armed Forces to pursue and neutralise the perpetrators operating in Dumba and other enclaves in the Lake Chad area.

“On Sunday, 12 January 2025, armed militia suspected to be Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists attacked some farmers and fishermen at Dumba community, near Baga in Kukawa LGA.

“Investigation has commenced on the circumstances behind this attack. Initial report indicates about 40 farmers have been killed while the whereabouts of many who escaped the attack are being traced for reunion with their families.

“With deep sorrow and anguish, I received the sad news of the attack on Dumba, where scores of our farmers and fishermen were killed by terrorists,” he said.

The commissioner assured the public that the state government is committed to ensuring justice and enhancing security.

According to him, the governor noted that the victims had ventured outside the security perimeters established by the government and military into areas not yet cleared of insurgents or landmines.

He urged residents to adhere to the “safe corridors” demarcated by security agencies to avoid such risks.

“The government has clearly demarcated land for safe farming and economic activities, allowing the military to focus on clearing unsafe areas. Citizens should not enter areas prone to terrorist attacks or contaminated by landmines,” he added.

The governor also commended the armed forces for their ongoing efforts to secure vast stretches of land for farming and resettlement as part of the government’s long-term strategy to manage displacement and enhance livelihoods.

“The safe corridors provide vast tracts of land for settlement, fishing, and farming under the watchful eyes of our gallant security forces.

“Straying into unsafe areas not only endangers lives but also complicates military operations against the terrorists,” Mr Tar quoted Mr Zulum.

(NAN)