Boko Haram insurgents have killed 18 farmers and firewood sellers on farmlands in Gwoza town, Gwoza, Borno State. Sources said the attack occurred on Thursday when the victims were clearing their fields in preparation for the rainy season. “It was during farm clearance that Boko Haram ambushed the farmers at the outskirts, shooting anyone on sight,” a resident said.
Malam Haruna Hayatu, a cameraman with the Information Unit of Gwoza Local Government Council, confirmed that 18 corpses had been recovered from the bush, adding that more people were feared dead or missing. “Eighteen bodies have been recovered so far, but search efforts are still ongoing as some victims are unaccounted for,” he said. Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume (APC, Borno South) also confirmed the incident, saying he received a distress call earlier in the day.
“Eighteen of my constituents who went to their farms were ambushed and killed by terrorists this morning. It is quite shocking and unfortunate,” he said. He prayed for Allah to forgive the deceased and grant them Aljannatul Firdaus, while also urging strength and patience for their families over the tragic loss.