Boko Haram attacks Darul Jamal in Bama, Borno, killing 63 people, destroying homes, and leaving communities of returnee IDPs in mourning
Suspected Boko Haram insurgents carried out a devastating attack on Darul Jamal, a community in Bama Local Government Area of Borno State, claiming the lives of 58 civilians and five soldiers.
The deadly assault occurred at approximately 9:00 pm on Friday, September 5, 2025, plunging the town into fear and mourning.
Eyewitness accounts reveal that the attackers moved in with precision, targeting densely populated areas, including a school that was serving as temporary accommodation for returnee internally displaced persons (IDPs), the local motor park, and surrounding residential neighborhoods.
Many houses and vehicles belonging to civilians were set ablaze, leaving destruction in their wake.
Sources say the victims were mostly returnee IDPs who had been resettled in Darul Jamal for the past two months after fleeing previous insurgent attacks in the region.
A local source described the attack as “well-coordinated and ruthless,” saying, “the insurgents identified areas with high civilian concentration and opened fire indiscriminately on IDPs, labourers, drivers, and security formations stationed in the area.
“The sheer audacity and planning behind this attack are alarming.”
The community has been left traumatized, with survivors recounting scenes of chaos and horror as families tried to flee the onslaught.
Many residents have lost loved ones, homes, and means of livelihood, compounding the humanitarian crisis in the region.
In response to the tragedy, Borno State Governor Babagana Umara Zulum visited Darul Jamal on Saturday to offer condolences to the families of the victims.
During his visit, the governor met with community leaders and members of the bereaved families, expressing deep sorrow over the incident and condemning the brutal attack in the strongest terms.
Speaking to journalists, Governor Zulum said, “We are here to commiserate with the people of Darul Jamal over the horrific incident that claimed the lives of so many innocent residents last night.
“This community had only recently been resettled after fleeing earlier attacks, and the residents were carrying on with their daily lives when Boko Haram struck.
“Our presence here is to offer comfort, support, and to encourage resilience among the affected families during this painful time.”
On the number of casualties, Governor Zulum confirmed, “At this moment, we have verified that 63 people lost their lives, including civilians and military personnel.
“The majority of the casualties are civilians, with approximately 58 civilians and five soldiers killed.”
The governor also highlighted the ongoing challenges faced by security forces in combating insurgency in Borno State.
He emphasized the need to strengthen community protection and called for the immediate deployment of newly trained Forest Guards to support the military in safeguarding vulnerable areas.
“The numerical strength of the military alone is insufficient to cover all at-risk communities. Two sets of Forest Guards have recently been trained.
“One of the urgent measures we need to implement is to deploy them to areas that are most vulnerable, so they can help protect both forests and communities from further attacks,” he said.
Security analysts have warned that attacks like this reflect a continuing threat from Boko Haram in the region, especially against resettled IDPs and vulnerable communities.
The need for enhanced intelligence, improved military presence, and community-based security strategies has never been more pressing.
Meanwhile, humanitarian agencies are reportedly mobilizing relief and support for the survivors, many of whom have been left homeless and traumatized.
The attack underscores the urgent need for coordinated government and community interventions to restore security, provide humanitarian aid, and prevent further loss of lives in Borno State.
The people of Darul Jamal now face the dual challenge of mourning their dead while trying to rebuild their lives in the face of persistent insecurity.