The Boko Haram terrorists reportedly killed some farmers and fishermen in Borno State for allegedly supporting their arch-rivals ISWAP (Islamic State West Africa Province) behind closed doors. The brutal attack was carried out in the villages surrounding Lake Chad, a region that has already been plagued by decades of conflict.
Local sources confirmed the victims were ambushed while working in their farmlands and fishing areas. Others were gunned down, while others were hacked to death with machetes. The attack sent the targeted villages into shock and fear.
The militants blamed the civilians for giving tips and assistance to ISWAP, which has been fighting Boko Haram over access to land in the area.
Flashback:
Boko Haram and ISWAP were once allies but split up in 2016 due to a leadership dispute. They’ve since often fought each other, though both continue to target Nigerian security personnel and civilians indiscriminately.
They’ve also targeted villagers believed to be cooperating with the other group over the last few years. Such populations are caught between the two, often punished for acts not committed by them.
The most recent killings happened between Monguno and Kukawa, where both terror groups operate, according to a security official. The victims, the official continued, were likely targeted to make a point to other residents that might be handling ISWAP.
Increased patrols have been conducted in the area, according to military sources, but bad terrain and lack of road access restrict one’s ability to respond quickly to attacks.
Survivors of the latest attack are currently escaping to safer towns, adding to the growing number of displaced persons in Borno State.
Security analysts warn that as long as the two terror organizations are on the move, villagers will continue to suffer. They’re calling on the government to step up surveillance, intelligence sharing, and local defense.
In the end, the massacres of farmers and fishermen in Borno show that civilians are trapped between two deadly forces. Lacking boosted protection, many expect increased casualties in the fight between ISWAP and Boko Haram.
