Jihadists slaughter 40 farmers in Nigeria's northeast

In northeastern Nigeria, specifically in Borno state, a tragic incident unfolded on Sunday night when fighters affiliated with the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) perpetrated a brutal attack that resulted in the deaths of at least 40 farmers. The government of Borno state, represented by Usman Tar, the information commissioner, confirmed that the attackers targeted a group of farmers who were operating in Dumba, an area located on the shores of Lake Chad, which has become notorious for violence due to ongoing insurgencies. The farmers, who primarily hailed from the Gwoza region bordering Cameroon, had ventured into Dumba to cultivate crops like cowpea and onions. An anti-jihadist militia leader, Babakura Kolo, explained that these farmers had previously entered into an arrangement with Boko Haram to cultivate in the vicinity, unaware that they were trespassing into ISWAP-controlled territory. Tensions between ISWAP and Boko Haram have been escalating, particularly since the 2016 split, which has led to continuous battles for dominance over the region. ISWAP's attack on the farmers was motivated by a desire to enforce territorial control and punish those who dared to infringe on their designated zones without proper authorization or payment of obligatory levies. While the Borno state government reported approximately 40 fatalities, sources within the local militia suggested that the actual death toll is likely much higher, potentially exceeding 100 victims. This disparity illustrates the ongoing and escalating violence faced by citizens in these conflict-ridden areas. Since the insurgency began in 2009, Nigeria's northeastern regions have suffered horrific consequences, including over 40,000 deaths and the displacement of nearly two million residents. The stark reality is that farmers, fishermen, and local communities continue to be vulnerable, often facing an agonizing choice between meeting their economic needs and risking their lives in a landscape marred by militant violence and inter-group competition for control and resources.