At least 15 farmers and firewood gatherers have been killed in Marte Local Government Area of Borno State.
The victims were reportedly attacked by suspected Boko haram while working around Ala and Musune wards on Thursday, October 1, 2026.
Eighteen people had reportedly gone into the area, but only 15 bodies were recovered and buried, while three others remain missing.
The Borno State Police Command confirmed the attack. Its spokesperson, Nahum Daso, said efforts were underway to find the missing people.
“Yes, there was an attack in Marte. 15 people were killed while others are still missing. Efforts are ongoing to determine their whereabouts,” Daso told PUNCH Online.
Police said details were still limited as officers continued gathering information about the incident.
Local sources said the victims included farmers and people who entered the bush to gather firewood.
One source alleged that the victims were ambushed while carrying out their daily activities.
“They were ambushed by terrorists while carrying out their daily work, bound, forced to lie down, and executed at close range,” the source said.
Another source said some victims were reportedly decapitated, however, the police have not publicly confirmed that detail.
Community members reportedly recovered the bodies and buried them according to Islamic rites.
The incident has renewed concerns about the safety of civilians who depend on farming and firewood collection.
The Borno farmers killed in the attack were reportedly among residents facing security risks while trying to earn a living.
Amnesty International condemned the killings and described them as “horrific.”
“Amnesty International strongly condemns the horrific killing of at least 15 people on Thursday, 1 October 2026, in Marte Local Government Area of Borno State, Northeast Nigeria.”
The organisation said the victims had gone into surrounding bush areas to gather firewood for income or family use.
Amnesty International also called for immediate measures to protect vulnerable communities in the region.
Meanwhile, the search for the three missing persons is continuing, according to the police.
