A government official from Borno state in northeastern Nigeria reported that at least 40 farmers were killed over the weekend in an attack, believed to be carried out by suspected Islamist militants. The official urged the military to "track and deal decisively" with those responsible for the violent act.

At least 40 farmers were killed over the weekend in an attack by suspected Islamist militants, according to the governor of Borno state in northeastern Nigeria, who spoke on Monday.

Governor Babanga Umara Zulum stated that Sunday’s attack was believed to have been carried out by either Boko Haram extremists or members of its breakaway faction that pledges allegiance to the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP).

Zulum called for a thorough investigation into the attack and a response from the military. He emphasized, "Let me assure the citizens of Borno that this matter will be thoroughly investigated for further necessary action," and added, "Let me use this opportunity to call on the armed forces to track and deal decisively with the perpetrators of this heinous act of violence against our innocent citizens."

He also urged civilians to stay within designated "safe zones," areas that have been cleared of militants and munitions by the military.

Usman Tar, the state's commissioner of information, explained that the farmers had ventured beyond one of these security corridors and entered an area known for insurgent activity and landmines.

Much of Borno state, which is home to the Boko Haram movement that began its insurgency in 2009, remains outside the full control of Nigerian authorities. Recently, attacks, kidnappings, and thefts targeting rural farmers by Islamist militants have become increasingly common.

While authorities urge farmers to stay within the safer zones and deploy rangers for protection, many farmers express frustration at being forced to leave more fertile land in riskier areas untended.

These attacks have worsened food shortages in the already impoverished state, which also faced flooding in September after a dam collapse, displacing over half of the population in the state capital, Maiduguri.

The violence has also spread to neighboring countries like Chad, which borders Borno state.