Kukawa, Borno State – In a tragic incident, fighters from the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) have killed at least 15 fishermen and left several others wounded in Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State.
The attack took place late Sunday night around 10:40 PM while the fishermen were preparing for night fishing in the Tumbun Rogo Kangarwa Ward, near Lake Chad. According to Daily Trust, the armed militants stormed the area, rounded up the fishermen, and opened fire on them.
A local source recounted the harrowing event, stating, “They came and opened fire on our people. Fifteen people were killed, while others, who managed to escape, sustained varying degrees of injury and are currently receiving treatment at Cross Kauwa.”
This attack marks the third time ISWAP has targeted fishermen in the region, often striking when their logistics are hindered by military actions. The militants reportedly stole all the smoked fish from the fishermen during the attack.
Another source added, “We have buried 15 persons according to Islamic rites on Monday morning. Many of our people are still missing. We have searched the nearby bushes and haven’t found them. This incident has left us in a state of shock.”
Previous attacks by ISWAP have similarly targeted fishermen, with militants searching the bodies for valuables after killing them. The local fishing community is now urging authorities to take immediate action to ensure their safety and security.
The repeated attacks have highlighted the ongoing insecurity in the Lake Chad region, where fishing communities face constant threats from terrorist groups like ISWAP.
