Boko Haram Attack in Borno Leaves at Least 15 Dead, Three Missing

At least 15 farmers and firewood gatherers have been killed in a suspected Boko Haram attack in Marte Local Government Area of Borno State, with three other residents still missing, according to police and local sources. The attack has renewed concerns over the safety of rural communities in Borno and the wider Northeast, where years of insurgency have continued to threaten civilians and disrupt livelihoods.

The attack reportedly occurred on Wednesday evening in the Ala and Musune wards of Marte, an area located in northeastern Borno. Local sources said a group of residents had gone into surrounding farmland and bush areas to carry out routine activities, including farming and gathering firewood. They were reportedly ambushed by suspected insurgents.

According to reports, 18 people had gone into the area, but 15 bodies were recovered, while three others remained unaccounted for. The bodies were reportedly recovered by members of the affected communities and buried in accordance with Islamic rites.

The Borno State Police Command confirmed that an attack had taken place in Marte and that 15 people had been killed. Police Public Relations Officer Nahum Daso said efforts were continuing to establish the whereabouts of the missing residents. He also indicated that details of the incident were still emerging and that authorities would provide further information as investigations and data gathering progressed. 

The victims were reportedly ordinary rural workers, including farmers and people who ventured into the bush to gather firewood for household use or income. Their deaths highlight the growing risks faced by communities whose livelihoods depend on access to farmland and surrounding natural resources.

For many families in rural Borno, farming is not simply an occupation but a major source of food and household income. Firewood gathering also provides an important means of supporting families, particularly in communities where alternative employment opportunities are limited. When residents are unable to safely access their farms or surrounding areas, the consequences can extend beyond individual households.

The latest attack therefore raises concerns about food production and food security in the region. Farmers who fear attacks may avoid their fields or reduce the amount of time they spend cultivating their land. This can lead to lower agricultural output and make already vulnerable communities more dependent on food brought in from other areas.

The security situation in Marte is particularly significant because the local government area has experienced prolonged insecurity linked to Boko Haram and other armed groups operating around the Lake Chad Basin. Despite years of military operations and government efforts to restore stability, rural communities continue to face threats.

The incident also demonstrates the vulnerability of civilians who live outside major towns and security installations. While military and security operations remain an important part of the response to insurgency, residents in remote communities often depend on early warning systems, local intelligence and rapid security intervention to protect them from attacks.

Amnesty International condemned the killings and described the targeting of civilians as a serious violation of international humanitarian law. The organisation called on Nigerian authorities to take immediate measures to improve the protection of vulnerable communities in the Northeast. 

The organisation’s response reflects a wider concern about the humanitarian consequences of the conflict. More than a decade of insurgency in northeastern Nigeria has affected civilians through deaths, displacement, destruction of property and disruption to economic activities. Attacks on farmers are particularly damaging because they threaten both personal safety and the ability of communities to produce food.

Beyond the immediate loss of lives, the attack could have significant economic consequences for the affected communities. Families who lose breadwinners may struggle to meet basic needs, while fear of further attacks could discourage other residents from entering farming areas. Traders and other local businesses can also be affected when insecurity reduces movement and economic activity.

The reported disappearance of three residents has added another layer of concern. Police and community members are expected to continue efforts to locate them and determine what happened. Their families are left waiting for information while authorities work to establish the full circumstances surrounding the attack.

The incident also highlights the importance of reliable intelligence and stronger cooperation between security agencies and local communities. Residents who live in remote areas may have valuable information about suspicious movements and potential threats, but effective community-security cooperation requires trust and mechanisms that allow information to be shared safely.

Security agencies continue to conduct operations against insurgent groups in the Northeast. However, the latest incident suggests that military operations must be complemented by measures that provide more consistent protection for civilians in vulnerable rural communities.

There is also a need for longer-term investment in affected communities. Security alone cannot fully address the problems created by years of conflict. Improved infrastructure, access to education, employment opportunities, agricultural support and basic services can help communities become more resilient and reduce the economic conditions that make recovery difficult.

For farmers in Marte and other parts of Borno, the ability to return safely to their farms is essential. Agriculture remains central to the livelihoods of many residents, and restoring confidence in farming communities will be important for both local economic recovery and food security.

The reported attack serves as another reminder that the insurgency in northeastern Nigeria continues to have a direct human cost. Fifteen families are now mourning loved ones who reportedly left home to carry out ordinary activities and did not return. Three more families remain uncertain about the fate of their relatives.

Authorities are expected to continue investigating the incident, search for the three missing residents and strengthen security around vulnerable communities. For residents of Marte and neighbouring areas, however, the immediate priority is clear: they need to be able to farm, gather firewood and earn a living without putting their lives at risk.

A sustained response combining effective security operations, improved intelligence, civilian protection, humanitarian assistance and long-term development will be necessary to restore stability. Until rural residents can safely access their farms and livelihoods, insecurity will continue to threaten not only lives but also the economic and food security of communities across Borno and the wider Northeast.