In a devastating attack, suspected Boko Haram terrorists have killed 18 fishermen and left several others missing in Mobbar Local Government Area of Borno State, near the Nigeria-Niger Republic border. The incident occurred on Sunday, around 2:30 p.m. at the Fadana-Garuwa River in Duji Ward, where dozens of fishermen were ambushed while working along the riverbank.
*Details of the Attack*
- *Accusations of Collaboration*: The insurgents accused the fishermen of collaborating with rival fighters from the Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP), leading to the brutal slaughter.
- *Method of Attack*: The terrorists arrived on motorcycles, heavily armed, and overpowered the fishermen before gathering and slaughtering them as punishment.
- *Victims' Bodies Recovered*: The bodies of the 18 victims were recovered, and the villagers conducted burial rites on Tuesday in accordance with Islamic customs ¹ ².
*Background and Context*
- *Rivalry Between Boko Haram and ISWAP*: The attack is believed to be a retaliatory strike by Boko Haram, which maintains control over parts of the riverine axis stretching into Niger Republic, against the fishermen who had been granted conditional access to fish in the river by ISWAP operatives in exchange for regular tax payments.
- *Escalating Violence*: This incident adds to the growing toll of violence in Nigeria's northeast, where both Boko Haram and ISWAP have ramped up attacks on civilians and military targets in Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa States ¹ ³.
*Reactions and Concerns*
- *Local Residents' Fear*: The attack has left local residents fearful for their safety, with many calling for increased security measures to protect the community.
- *Growing Insecurity*: The incident highlights the ongoing insecurity in the region, which has been plagued by terrorist attacks and violence for over a decade ².
