At least 15 farmers and firewood gatherers have been killed in an attack by suspected Boko Haram terrorists in Marte Local Government Area of Borno State.

The victims were reportedly ambushed around Ala and Musune wards on Wednesday evening while carrying out farming and other livelihood activities.

Local sources said 18 people had gone to the area, but only 15 bodies were recovered and buried on Thursday, while three others remained missing.

The Public Relations Officer of the Borno State Police Command, Nahum Daso, confirmed the attack on Friday, saying efforts were ongoing to establish the whereabouts of the missing persons.

“Yes, there was an attack in Marte. 15 people were killed while others are still missing. Efforts are ongoing to determine their whereabouts,” Daso said.

He said details of the incident remained sketchy as security personnel continued to gather information on the attack.

Local sources described the victims as peasant farmers and firewood gatherers, including young men, married men and elderly members of the community.

One source alleged that the victims were ambushed, restrained and killed at close range while carrying out their daily activities. The source also alleged that some of the victims were decapitated, although the claim could not be independently verified.

Community members reportedly recovered the bodies from the farmland and buried those found according to Islamic rites.

Amnesty International condemned the killings, describing the attack as a grave violation of international humanitarian law.

The human rights organisation said the victims were local residents who had gone into surrounding bush areas to gather firewood for their livelihoods and household needs.

It called on the Nigerian authorities to take immediate and transparent measures, consistent with human rights standards, to protect vulnerable communities in the region.

The latest attack highlights the continued security challenges confronting rural communities in Borno, where residents who depend on farming and other activities in remote areas remain exposed to attacks by insurgent groups.