Borno Killings: UN, Atiku, Obi, Ndume Condemn Boko Haram Attack, Demand Urgent Action

Fresh Boko Haram attacks in Borno State have claimed at least 63 lives — including five soldiers and 58 civilians — sparking outrage from the United Nations, former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, and Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume.

All four have called for urgent government intervention to tackle Nigeria’s deepening security crisis.

The coordinated assaults, which occurred on Friday, targeted Darajamal in Bama Local Government Area and Monguno Local Government Area. In Darajamal, insurgents stormed the resettled community, killing civilians and troops, abducting women and girls, and razing more than 20 houses, vehicles, and food stores. In Monguno, two Immigration officers were killed in a separate attack.

Troops of Operation Hadin Kai, supported by the Air Component, engaged the insurgents in a fierce battle, killing over 30 terrorists. Despite this counteroffensive, the heavy civilian toll has drawn widespread condemnation.

UN Condemns Civilian Casualties

United Nations Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mohamed Fall, described the massacre as “shocking and appalling,” stressing that civilians must never be targeted.

“I am deeply saddened by Friday’s reported killing of dozens of civilians in Darajamal, Bama Local Government Area. Civilians should never be a target! Preliminary reports indicate that more than 50 civilians were killed, with others abducted and many fleeing with injuries. At least 28 houses were burned during the attack,” he said.

He extended condolences to victims’ families, calling the killings “yet another grim reminder of the toll of violent attacks in Borno this year.”

Atiku: Nigerians Must Unite Against Terror

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar condemned the attack as a “senseless act of violence.”

“This senseless violence is a painful reminder of the heavy price our people continue to pay in the face of terror. My heartfelt condolences go to the bereaved families, the resilient people of Borno, and Governor Zulum, whose swift compassion in visiting the affected community is commendable,” he said.

He urged unity, stressing that the sacrifices of soldiers and civilians must inspire stronger community security and national resolve.

Obi: Nigeria in Full-Blown Security Emergency

Labour Party’s Peter Obi warned that Nigeria is sliding into a warlike situation.

“Bloody Weekend: over 100 killed in Borno, Sokoto, Katsina, Edo. These are not isolated tragedies but stark evidence that Nigeria is in the grip of a full-blown security emergency. Our casualty figures now rival those of countries officially at war,” Obi wrote on X.

He criticised officials’ “junketing” abroad, saying foreign trips must be suspended until insecurity is contained. He warned that unchecked violence could push Nigeria toward collapse, as seen in Somalia and Libya.

Ndume: Deploy Tech and Community Defence

Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume (APC, Borno South) described the renewed attacks as “worrisome” and urged the deployment of drones, attack helicopters, and advanced military technology.

“In the past few months, several communities across Borno South, North, and Central have remained under siege. Civilian JTF, hunters, and vigilantes are doing their best, but with den guns and sticks, they cannot match terrorists armed with sophisticated weapons,” he said.

Ndume called for the creation of Armed Community Defence groups, backed by what he termed TEAAM — Technology, Equipment, Arms, Ammunition, and Motivation.

Zulum: Government to Rebuild and Support Victims

Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum visited Darajamal on Saturday, where he met with security agencies and survivors. He promised increased security presence, humanitarian relief, and reconstruction of destroyed homes.

Shinkafi: Military Must Act Without Delay

Meanwhile, former APGA National Secretary, Dr. Sani Abdullahi Shinkafi, accused troops of failing to act decisively in Zamfara despite government investments in security tools.

“What is lacking is the political will to crush them,” Shinkafi said, citing constitutional provisions that make security the government’s primary duty.

He reminded troops of CDS General Christopher Musa’s directive that they must secure communities without waiting for orders from Abuja: “Do not be afraid to take out any criminal or enemy doing any act of killing. You will be court martialled if you fail.”