Boko Haram Attack Kills 20 Farmers, Loggers in Borno

At least 20 farmers and wood loggers were killed on Thursday in an attack linked to suspected Boko Haram insurgents in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State.

Local sources said the attack occurred around 11 a.m. in Hambagda, a resettled community near Gwoza town, when an improvised explosive device reportedly detonated along a route used by civilians. Survivors said the assailants opened fire after the blast, leaving several others injured.

A member of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) said many of the victims were wood loggers who had gone out to gather firewood, while others were farmers preparing their land ahead of the rainy season.

“It is a sad day for us in Gwoza,” the source said, adding that about 20 people were killed while others sustained gunshot wounds.

Another local source said 18 bodies had been recovered as of Thursday, warning the death toll could rise as some residents remained missing.

Residents said the attack appeared to be part of renewed raids in communities around Gwoza, heightening concerns over security in rural farming areas as the planting season begins.

Authorities have yet to issue an official statement on the incident.