By Obinna Uballa
The United Nations has condemned the brutal killing of 63 people, including five Nigerian soldiers, by suspected Boko Haram insurgents in Darajamal, a community in Bama Local Government Area of Borno State, calling for an immediate investigation.
The attack, which occurred on Friday night, is the latest in a string of violent assaults in Borno, the epicentre of the Boko Haram insurgency that has plagued Nigeria’s North-East since 2009. The conflict has claimed more than 35,000 lives and displaced over 2 million people, according to UN and humanitarian agencies.
In a statement on Sunday, the UN Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mohamed Fall, expressed deep shock over the killings and urged Nigerian authorities to bring the perpetrators to justice.
“I am deeply appalled and saddened by Friday’s reported killing of dozens of civilians in Darajamal Village, Bama Local Government Area in Borno State. Civilians should never be a target,” Fall said.
Preliminary reports indicate that more than 50 civilians were killed, with an unknown number of people abducted and several others injured. At least 28 houses were also set ablaze during the assault.
Fall extended condolences to the victims’ families and the Borno State government, describing the attack as a grim reminder of escalating insecurity in the region.
“I call on security authorities to apprehend the perpetrators of this heinous attack and swiftly bring them to justice. I also call for the immediate release of all those abducted,” he added.
He noted that multiple deadly attacks against civilians have been recorded in Borno this year, including assaults on communities, IDP camps, and markets, using suicide bombings, IEDs, and abductions. Similar attacks have also been reported in Adamawa and Yobe states, targeting farmers, traders, health centres, and rural infrastructure.
The UN reiterated its commitment to supporting affected populations and urged all parties to the conflict to respect international humanitarian law and protect civilians.
Humanitarian operations in the North-East continue to face severe disruptions, with aid workers often targeted in attacks, reports say.
Despite recent military offensives and reported gains by Nigerian forces, analysts warn that recurring attacks like the Darajamal massacre highlight the need for a broader strategy that combines security operations with community resilience, deradicalisation, and economic recovery measures.
