UN Condemns Attack in Kukawa, Calls for Justice and Civilian Protection

The United Nations has strongly condemned a recent attack in Dumba Hamlet, Kukawa Local Government Area, Borno State, Nigeria, which reportedly left 40 civilians dead. The attack, allegedly carried out by Boko Haram militants, targeted local farmers and fishermen.

In a statement released on Wednesday, Mohamed Fall, the UN Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, expressed deep sorrow and outrage over the incident.

“I am horrified by the recent mass killing of fishermen and farmers in Kukawa. Several people remain missing following the attack, which occurred on January 12,” Fall said. He emphasized that the perpetrators must be held accountable under both domestic and international human rights laws.

The attack has been attributed to suspected members of the Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP), who continue to wreak havoc in conflict-affected regions. Fall extended his condolences to the families of the deceased and wished the injured a swift recovery.

“The armed actors who perpetrated these attacks must be identified and brought to account. This attack serves as another grim reminder of the profound dangers civilians in Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe states continue to face,” he said.

Fall also highlighted other violent incidents in the region throughout 2024, underscoring the ongoing threats to civilian safety:

• In February, Non-State Armed Groups reportedly abducted hundreds of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Ngala LGA.
• In June, suicide bomb attacks in Gwoza LGA killed and injured several civilians.
• In July, insurgents attacked farmers in the Firgi community, killing IDPs and abducting women and girls.
• In September, more than 100 men and boys were killed in an attack on Mafa in Tarmuwa LGA, Yobe State.

Additional violent episodes were reported in Borno’s Dikwa, Logomane, Ngala, and Pulka districts, highlighting the persistent danger faced by civilians.

Reaffirming the UN's commitment to supporting affected populations, Fall called for increased security measures to protect vulnerable communities. “We must strengthen efforts to safeguard civilians and ensure accountability for these heinous acts,” he urged.