Senator Ali Ndume, representing the Southern Borno senatorial district, has confirmed the tragic killing of over 40 farmers in a recent terrorist attack in the Dumba area of Kukawa Local Government.
According to Ndume, the majority of the victims hailed from Gwoza Local Government Area.
Survivors’ Accounts of the Tragedy
Speaking to NIGPOST, Senator Ndume shared details from five survivors—Shuaibu Ali, Bana Saleh, Yusuf Shamaya, Bukar Warda, and Bukar Mala—who visited his residence to recount the harrowing incident.
He explained that Gwoza farmers traditionally migrate to Lake Chad during the dry season to cultivate beans and maize. This routine activity turned deadly during the recent attack.
“They killed about 40 people, most of whom were from my local government area. These farmers rely on this seasonal farming for their livelihoods. It’s unfortunate and heartbreaking,” the senator said.
“Red Line” Restrictions Are Not Enough
Senator Ndume criticized the armed forces’ directive restricting farmers from crossing designated boundaries, saying such policies inadvertently concede territories to terrorists.
“If we keep telling farmers to avoid certain areas, it means we are indirectly surrendering those places to the terrorists, which is unacceptable,” he argued.
The Case for Technology-Driven Security
To address the growing security challenges, Ndume advocated for the deployment of advanced technologies, including drones and other surveillance tools, to monitor and secure farmlands.
“There are drones that can cover distances of up to 40 kilometers. If terrorists like ISWAP can deploy drones, the Nigerian Army should be equipped with superior technology to outmatch them,” he stressed.
Ndume further highlighted the importance of investing in modern security equipment, advanced training for soldiers, and improved motivation through proper funding and resources.
A Call for Better Equipment and Training
Ndume revealed that during his recent tour of Southern Borno, he observed that soldiers lacked modern weapons, including updated rifles such as AK-47s and AK-49s. He called for immediate action to address these deficiencies.
“Our soldiers need advanced equipment and sophisticated training to ensure they can effectively combat terrorism.
Poorly trained personnel using outdated equipment will only lead to tragic mistakes, such as the misdirected bombings in Sokoto and Kaduna,” he explained.
Condemnation and Commendation
Expressing his condolences to the families of the victims, Ndume condemned the attack in strong terms.
He also urged the Nigerian Army to integrate cyber experts into their operations to strengthen surveillance and intelligence capabilities.
“The fight against terrorism requires a multi-faceted approach—stronger equipment, advanced technology, and highly skilled personnel.
With these, the Nigerian Army can reclaim control and restore peace,” he said.
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