Borno Horror: Boko Haram Executes 11 Charcoal Merchants in Brutal Attack

Gunmen suspected to be members of the Islamist extremist group Boko Haram carried out a deadly attack on Monday, killing 11 people involved in charcoal production in the village of Bale, Damboa Local Government Area, Borno State.

Residents reported that the assailants, numbering about 15 and riding on camels, surrounded the victims in a bush, leaving them no chance to escape. The attackers, armed with guns, gruesomely slaughtered the charcoal gatherers using knives.

Survivors attribute their escape to their familiarity with the terrain. One witness, Baba Buba, who narrowly evaded the assailants, recounted returning to the scene with other survivors the next day. They discovered six decapitated bodies and, with the help of local vigilantes and soldiers, buried the victims.

Borno State police spokesperson, Nahun Daso, claimed unawareness of the incident, stating, “I have not gotten the feedback yet” from the Divisional Police Officer in charge of Damboa. Similarly, army spokesperson Nyama Nwachuku did not respond to calls or messages seeking comment.

The community remains in shock and mourning as the region grapples with the persistent threat of violence from extremist groups like Boko Haram.