Widespread anger and grief followed the killing of at least 63 people, including five soldiers, in a fresh Boko Haram attack on Darajamal, a community in Bama Local Government Area of Borno State that had only recently been resettled.
The attack occurred late Friday night around 10 p.m. when terrorists stormed the area on motorcycles, shooting residents and setting fire to houses, shops, and vehicles. Survivors said the gunmen operated for several hours before military reinforcement arrived.
A resident who requested anonymity said: “Five soldiers were killed. But I am certain that those killed are up to 56 in the attack. Many houses were also burnt down, including buses. They operated for hours before reinforcement.” Another source confirmed that six construction labourers who were not residents of the community were among the victims.
Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum, who visited Darajamal on Saturday evening, described the incident as “very sad” and confirmed the casualty figure. “At this moment we have confirmed that 63 people lost their lives, both civilians and military, although the civilian casualties are more. Close to about 60 civilians and five soldiers lost their lives,” Zulum said. He noted that the community had been resettled only a few months earlier and urged resilience. He also lamented the shortage of manpower in the armed forces and called for the immediate deployment of newly trained Forest Guards to vulnerable areas. “We have to take note that the numerical strength of the military is not enough to cover everywhere. So far, two sets of Forest Guards have been trained, therefore one of the solutions that we need to implement immediately is to deploy the trained Forest Guards to most of the locations that are vulnerable. They will protect the forest and communities,” he added.
In response to the assault, the Nigerian Air Force said it killed more than 30 terrorists. Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame explained that airstrikes were carried out in coordination with ground troops after reports of heavy terrorist engagement against friendly forces. “On arrival at Darajamal, the aircrew visually identified friendly forces before ISR scans revealed terrorists fleeing northwards from the town towards nearby bushes. In a series of three precise and successive strikes, the fleeing terrorists were decisively engaged, resulting in the neutralisation of over 30 insurgents,” the statement read.
The United Nations Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mohamed Fall, condemned the killings, describing them as “appalling” and calling for justice. “I am deeply appalled and saddened by Friday’s reported killing of dozens of civilians in Darajamal Village, Bama LGA. Civilians should never be a target,” he said. He confirmed that at least 28 houses were burned and urged the release of abducted persons, stressing that the incident was “yet another grim reminder of the toll of rising violent attacks and insecurity in Borno State this year.”
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar also mourned the victims, calling the assault “senseless violence.” He said: “I am deeply saddened by the tragic killing of scores of people, including gallant soldiers, in the recent Boko Haram attack on Darajamal. 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. May Almighty Allah grant the departed Al-Jannah Firdaus and comfort their loved ones.”
Senator Ali Ndume, representing Borno South, lamented the rising attacks and said local vigilantes lacked the weapons to confront terrorists. “Men of the Civilian Joint Task Force, hunters and vigilantes have been doing their best, but they have limitations, as they only carry den guns and sticks, which they find very difficult to confront the terrorists,” he said. Ndume urged the Federal Government to prioritise TEAM—Technology, Equipment, Arms, Ammunition, and Motivation—in the fight against insurgency. “More so, I want to reiterate my calls on the Federal Government and the Nigerian Military to deploy TEAM, which is the only way to end the over-decade Boko Haram atrocities in Borno, North-East, and other parts of the country,” he stressed.
Similarly, Senator Kaka Shehu Lawan, representing Borno Central, described the killings as “a crime against humanity” and pledged legislative support for peace efforts.
Friday’s massacre comes amid a resurgence of violence across the North-East despite ongoing military operations. Aid agencies and residents have repeatedly warned that resettled communities remain highly vulnerable. The UN also noted that attacks have spread to Adamawa and Yobe states, targeting markets, health centres, farmers, fishermen, and travellers. For many in Darajamal, the bloodshed has rekindled fears over whether peace and stability can ever truly return to Borno after more than 15 years of insurgency.
