A tragic event unfolded in Tunbun Rogo, a fishing village in Kukawa local government area of Borno State, as no fewer than 31 fishermen lost their lives, and 40 others were reported missing after suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists carried out a deadly attack on Tuesday night.
The National President of the Fish Dealers Association of Nigeria, Mohammed Laminu, expressed his shock at this heartbreaking news when confirming the incident to LEADERSHIP in Maiduguri on Wednesday.
Laminu said “We are saddened by the killing of our fishermen by the terrorists in Baga. Forty fisherman are still missing as of today. We called on the government and Nigerian military to do more in protecting citizens against attacks from the terrorists. The activities of the terrorists is crippling our fishing business”.
An anonymous eyewitness, the attackers took the lives of 31 fishermen, causing distress among numerous families as they anxiously await updates on their missing loved ones.
The eyewitness said “The corpses of the victims remain in the bush, while others who fled to nearby bushes are gradually returning with wounds, receiving treatment from a military base at Cross Kauwa.
“The terrorists stormed the area, armed with weapons, and rounded the fishermen before opening fire. The attack occurred after the fishermen had been ordered by the military to vacate the area for a clearance operation. Despite complying with the order, the terrorists targeted them upon their return”.
The eyewitness further mentioned, “We were gathered by the terrorists, who claimed they wanted to preach to us. Instead, their commander ordered our execution. Thirty-one (31) fishermen were killed, and over 40 of us managed to escape.
“One of the terrorists was punished by their commander for allowing some of us to flee.”
The victims hailed from Monguno, Doron Baga, Cross Kauwa, and Baga towns. Up to this moment, there has been no official statement released by the Nigerian military authorities or any security agency regarding the attack. Baga in Kukawa town was once renowned for its fish farming and the production of delicious smoked fish, attracting buyers from all corners of the country to Borno State.
