The Massacre of 40 Farmers in Baga: “Who is to Blame?”
By Zagazola Makama
The mass murder of 40 farmers in Dumba, in the far northeastern Kukawa, Borno State, has dominated news platforms, sparking widespread condemnation. However, this tragic incident also raises critical questions about the actions and decisions that led to such a devastating outcome.
The farmers, who were cultivating land under the Lake Chad River Basin Authority, made a perilous and ultimately fatal decision to negotiate with the Islamic State in West Africa Province (ISWAP) for access to farmlands deep within terrorist enclaves. By paying levies to ISWAP, they secured temporary permission to farm in exchange for financial contributions. ISWAP even issued passes and receipts, creating a fragile illusion of security.
This arrangement, however, was carried out without the knowledge or approval of security agencies, including the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), which had established safe perimeters for farmers to operate under military protection. By venturing far beyond these perimeters, about 8 kilometers into ISWAP dominated territories, the farmers not only violated security protocols but also placed themselves entirely at the mercy of an unpredictable and violent group.
Despite the agreement, ISWAP operatives betrayed the farmers, orchestrating a brutal attack that resulted in 40 deaths. The attack coincided with inter rival clashes between Boko Haram and ISWAP factions, as the terrorists likely suspected that the farmers had compromised their presence. This massacre exemplifies the inherent risks of trusting terrorist factions, whose loyalties shift and whose actions are driven by opportunism rather than goodwill.
The location of the attack within a heavily forested and waterlogged terrorist enclave rendered any form of rescue impossible. The area is entirely controlled by ISWAP, leaving the farmers defenseless against the betrayal. Humanitarian agencies, families of the victims, and even the military would not be able to immediately intervene due to the complex nature of the terrain.
The Role of Boko Haram
Ironically, elements of the rival Boko Haram faction, Jama’atu Ahlis-Sunnah Lidda’Awati Wal-Jihad (JAS), intervened after the massacre. Stationed at Ladi Dumba, the fighters overheard gunfire and mobilized to the scene using water vessels. Initially believing their men were under attack, they discovered the massacre of the farmers upon arrival.
The Boko Haram fighters forced ISWAP to flee, avoiding confrontation. They then assisted in evacuating the injured victims and recovering the bodies of the slain farmers. The wounded were transported to Mangari village and later taken to Baga for medical treatment by their families.
Collaboration with Terrorists
This incident also sheds light on the broader issue of civilian collaboration with terrorist groups. Zagazola Previous reports estimate that over 2,000 farmers and fishermen in the Lake Chad region operate under the control of Boko Haram and ISWAP. These individuals pay levies, receive movement passes, and, in many cases, act as couriers, supplying logistics and intelligence to the terrorists.
Such arrangements, while enabling these individuals to earn a livelihood, also sustain the insurgents’ campaign of terror. By funding and supporting terrorist operations, these interactions perpetuate the cycle of violence and insecurity in the region.
The massacre of the 40 farmers in Kukawa serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of negotiating with terrorists. It emphasizes the need for stronger collaboration between local communities and security agencies to ensure compliance with established safety measures.
Security agencies must intensify efforts to educate communities about the risks of dealing with terrorist groups and the importance of adhering to designated safe zones. A focused effort is needed to disrupt the financial networks of ISWAP and Boko Haram, including the levies collected from farmers and fishermen. The MNJTF and other security forces must reassess and expand their presence to protect vulnerable populations and prevent incursions into terrorist-controlled areas.
Ultimately, the responsibility for preventing such tragedies lies with all stakeholders security agencies, local communities, and government authorities. Only through collective action can the cycle of violence and exploitation in Lake Chad’s conflict zones be broken.
Zagazola Makama is a Counter Insurgency Expert and Security Analyst in the Lake Chad Region
