Boko Haram insurgents have killed no fewer than 35 fishermen in Mukdolo, Ngala Local Government Area of Borno State.

It was gathered that the Boko Haram insurgents had, on several occasions, warned the fishermen to stay away from their (terrorists) “zones” before they struck on Wednesday.

One of the fishermen, who escaped the attack, disclosed that the terrorists surrounded them around the riverbanks and opened fire on them, killing no fewer than 35 people and injuring some.

He added that many others attacked by the terrorists were still missing.

Another fisherman revealed that the terrorists rode on motorcycles from a nearby forest and surrounded them (fishermen) at riverbanks and warned them to stay away from the watersides.

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“They started shooting at all angles and only three of us made it back to Dikwa. I can tell you more than 35 people were killed. As I speak, many are yet to return to Dikwa town,” the fisherman told Daily Trust.

Quoting sources, AFP said 37 fishermen were killed by the insurgents in the attack.

“We recovered 37 bodies last night along the riverbank and nearby bushes.

“The figure is not exhaustive and the search for more bodies is ongoing in surrounding bushes,” one of the sources, Babakura Kolo, disclosed.

Also speaking on the incident, a resident of the area, Umar Ari, further disclosed that the fishermen were sorting out their catch of the day on the bank of a river when they were attacked by the terrorists.

“The terrorists pursued the fishermen as they tried to flee, shooting them dead but three managed to escape and alerted Dikwa about the attack,” Ari said.

The Borno State Government and the Dikwa Emirate Council have since confirmed the killings and extended condolences to the families of the deceased.

They also prayed for the speedy recovery of those injured in the attack.

The Star