Key points

• Borno killings left 63 people dead in weekend attacks.

• UN, Atiku, and Obi condemned the killings and called for action.

• Ndume and Zulum pushed for stronger security measures.

Boko Haram fighters killed at least 63 people in fresh attacks on Borno communities over the weekend. Among the dead were five soldiers and 58 civilians.

The gunmen also kidnapped women and girls, burned houses, and destroyed food stores.

The attacks happened in Darajamal, Bama Local Government Area, and in Monguno.

In Darajamal, homes were set ablaze and more than 20 houses were destroyed. Two Immigration officers were also killed in Monguno.

Soldiers under Operation Hadin Kai fought back with air support and killed more than 30 terrorists.

But despite that response, the killings of innocent villagers have sparked anger across the country.

UN, Atiku condemn Borno killings

United Nations Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mohamed Fall, said the killings were “shocking and appalling.” He stressed that civilians must never be targets of violence and called for justice.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar also reacted. He described the killings as “senseless” and urged Nigerians to unite in fighting terror.

Atiku sent condolences to families of the victims and praised Governor Babagana Zulum for visiting survivors quickly.

Obi, Ndume demand urgent action on insecurity

Labour Party’s Peter Obi said the killings show Nigeria is already in a “full-blown security emergency.”

He asked President Bola Tinubu to declare a national war on insecurity and warned that constant killings could push Nigeria toward collapse.

Senator Ali Ndume of Borno South said communities are under siege and cannot match terrorists armed with heavy weapons.

He called for drones, attack helicopters, and stronger local defense groups to help the military.

Governor Zulum promised survivors that more security forces will be deployed and said the state will rebuild houses destroyed during the attack.

In Zamfara, Dr. Sani Abdullahi Shinkafi accused the military of leaving citizens at the mercy of bandits by waiting for orders from Abuja instead of acting fast.

He said Nigeria’s leaders must show stronger political will to end the violence.