Suspected terrorists kill 15 farmers in Borno

Amnesty International has condemned the killing of at least 15 residents in Marte Local Government Area of Borno State after suspected Boko Haram members allegedly ambushed them while they were gathering firewood on Thursday, October 1, 2026. The human rights organisation disclosed this in a statement issued following the incident, saying the victims had entered surrounding bush areas to gather firewood either to earn a living or provide fuel for cooking at home. According to Amnesty International, the residents were targeted by suspected members of Boko Haram, while local farmers and other residents in the area continue to face security risks when accessing surrounding areas for their daily activities. “The victims, who were residents venturing into the surrounding bush to gather firewood to earn a living or cook for their families, were ambushed and targeted by a suspected Boko Haram group. Local farmers in the area continue to face these extreme risks daily,” it said. The organisation said the attack amounted to a serious violation of international humanitarian law because the victims were civilians. It urged Nigerian authorities to take immediate measures to protect communities exposed to attacks in Marte and other vulnerable areas of the region. Amnesty International also called for a prompt, thorough and independent investigation into the killings. It said the investigation should identify those responsible and ensure that suspects are brought to justice through due process. The latest incident highlights the continued danger faced by residents of parts of Borno State where civilians depend on access to surrounding communities and bush areas for food, fuel and livelihoods. The organisation urged the Nigerian authorities to ensure that any measures taken in response to the killings comply with human rights standards while strengthening protection for communities at risk of attacks. Authorities are expected to investigate the circumstances surrounding the Marte killings and establish the identities of those responsible, while efforts to protect residents from further attacks remain necessary.