#ZabarmariMassacre: Borno Attack Most Violent In 2020 – UN

The United Nations (UN) in Nigeria has termed the recent attack and killing of civilians in Koshobe, Borno state, as the most heinous crime in the country, since the year began.

The UN Resident/Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mr. Edward Kallon, made this known in a statement on Sunday, obtained by THE WHISTLER.

“l am outraged and horiffied by the gruesome attack against civilians carried out by non-state armed groups in villages near Borno State capital Maiduguri.

“Tens of civilians were ruthlessly killed and many others were wounded in this attack.

“The incident is the most violent direct attack against innocent civilians this year. I call for the perpetrators of this heinous and senseless act to be brought to justice,” the statement partly read.

THE WHISTLER had earlier reported that President Muhammadu Buhari had bemoaned the unsavory development which took the lives of about 43 rice farmers at Zabarmari village in Jere Local Government Area of Borno State on Saturday.

Meanwhile, Kallon stressed that Borno is witnessing a terrible situation that is now transmitting fear in the hearts of many Nigerians.

He called on the relevant security units to step up and protect Nigerians.

His statement further reads:

“In early afternoon of 28 November , armed men on motorcycles led a brutal attack on civilian men and women who were harvesting their fields in Koshobe and other rural communities in Jere Local Government Area.

“Reports we are receiving are indicating these innocent famers were the victims of this callous violence.

“l extend my sincere condolences to the families of the civilians who lost their lives in this atrocious attack.

“I also wish a speedy recovery to those who were wounded in the incident.

“We have also received reports that several women may have been kidnapped. I call for their immediate release and retum to safety.

“My thoughts are also with the rural communities in the area, who are shocked by the brutality of yesterday’s attack and fear for their safety.

“The entire UN system and the humanitarian community working to provide life-saving and development assistance to the most vulnerable in Borno State is outraged by the incident.

“Such direct attacks against innocent civilians jeopardize the ability for the most vulnerable people to survive the adversity they are facing, and which we are striving to alleviate.

“It is unfortunately one of too many such attacks targeting farmers, fishermen and families who are trying to recover some livelihood opportunity after over a decade of conflict.

“I strongly condemn this attack and any act of violence against innocent civilians and I firmly urge all actors on the ground to respect international laws and humanity.

“Rural communities in Borno State are facing untold hardships. Helping them to farm land and rebuild Iivelihoods are amongst our priorities and the only way to avoid the looming food crisis in Borno State.

” They and all other civilians need to be protected and spared from any kind of violence.”