15 Residents Killed While Gathering Firewood in Borno, Amnesty International Says
MAIDUGURI, BORNO — At least 15 residents have been killed in an attack allegedly carried out by suspected Boko Haram insurgents in Marte Local Government Area of Borno State, Amnesty International has said.
The victims were reportedly ambushed on Thursday, October 1, 2026, while they were in the surrounding bush gathering firewood for domestic use and to earn a living.
The incident occurred around the Ala and Musune wards of Marte, an area that has remained exposed to attacks by insurgents and other armed groups.
According to reports, 18 people had reportedly gone into the area, but 15 bodies were recovered and buried by community members, while three others remained missing.
The Borno State Police Command confirmed that an attack had occurred in Marte and that 15 people had been killed, while efforts were continuing to establish the whereabouts of those still missing.
Police spokesperson Nahum Daso said details of the incident remained sketchy as security authorities continued to gather information.
Local sources described the victims as peasant farmers and firewood gatherers, including young and elderly residents who depended on the activity to support their families.
Some local accounts alleged that the victims were ambushed, restrained and killed at close range. These accounts could not independently be verified at the time of publication.
AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL CONDEMNS ATTACK
Amnesty International condemned the killings and described the incident as a grave violation of international humanitarian law.
The organisation said civilians who ventured into the bush to gather firewood for their families or to earn a livelihood had been targeted by a suspected Boko Haram group.
Amnesty International called on the Nigerian authorities to take immediate and transparent measures to protect vulnerable communities living in areas affected by the insurgency.
It also urged the authorities to conduct a prompt and thorough investigation into the killings and ensure that anyone found responsible is brought to justice.
THREE STILL MISSING
The reported deaths have heightened concerns over the risks faced by rural communities in parts of Borno, where residents often have to leave relatively safer settlements to farm, collect firewood or engage in other livelihood activities.
For many households, particularly displaced and economically vulnerable families, firewood remains an essential source of household energy and income.
The reported disappearance of three people has also left relatives and community members searching for information about their whereabouts.
The latest incident underscores the continuing vulnerability of civilians in parts of northeastern Nigeria, where security challenges have persisted despite years of military and counter-insurgency operations.
The Analyst will continue to monitor developments, including any further statement from the police, military or Borno State authorities on the attack and the missing residents.