News in Brief:
– The UN has strongly condemned the recent massacre of farmers in Borno State, Nigeria by a non-state armed group.
– This incident highlights a decade-long pattern of violence against agricultural communities in the country, which has resulted in a food crisis.
The United Nations (UN) has strongly condemned the recent massacre of fishermen and farmers in Borno State, Nigeria, allegedly carried out by a non-state armed group.
The attack, which occurred on 12 January 2024 in the Dumba community of Kukawa Local Government Area, reportedly resulted in the deaths of at least 40 civilians. These individuals were allegedly killed for violating a farming ban imposed by the armed group.
In a statement released recently, UN Humanitarian Coordinator for Nigeria, Mohamed Malick Fall, expressed deep concern over the incident, describing it as horrific. He extended his condolences to the families of the victims and hoped for a swift recovery for the injured.
Escalating violence against civilians
The agency noted the ongoing threats faced by civilians in conflict-affected regions of the BAY areas, namely; Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe states. Effectively, this attack follows a series of violent incidents in 2024, including the abduction of internally displaced persons and suicide bombings.
Meantime, the organisation reiterated its commitment to assisting affected communities. It also urged the Nigerian government to enhance security measures. The UN called upon all parties involved in the conflict to abide by international humanitarian law and ensure the protection of civilians.
Additionally, it stressed the importance of identifying and bringing to justice those responsible for these attacks under both national and international human rights laws.
The past ten years have seen a disturbing escalation of attacks on farmers in Northern Nigeria.
From 2014 to 2023, hundreds of farmers have been killed, kidnapped, or displaced by various armed groups, including:
- Boko Haram and ISWAP: These extremist groups have been the primary perpetrators of violence in the northeast, targeting farmers in Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa states. Their attacks have included mass killings, abductions, and the destruction of farmlands.
- Banditry: In the northwest and north-central regions, armed bandits have wreaked havoc on farming communities, demanding protection money and engaging in widespread violence, including killings and kidnappings.
- Herdsmen-Farmer Clashes: While often framed as a longstanding conflict, the violence between herders and farmers has intensified in recent years, fueled by competition over land and resources, as well as the proliferation of arms.
The relentless attacks on farmers have had a devastating impact on food security in Northern Nigeria. Many farmers have been forced to abandon their livelihoods, leading to decreased agricultural production and rising food prices.
Overall, this has deepened food insecurity and poverty in the region, particularly affecting vulnerable populations.
