The United Nations has lamented the killing of over 60 people by Boko Haram insurgents in Darul Jamal, a village in Borno, charging Nigerian security agencies to arrest and prosecute the terrorists.

In a statement on Sunday, Mohammed Fall, the UN’s resident and humanitarian coordinator in Nigeria, commiserated with the families of victims of the attack and the government of Borno.

“On behalf of the United Nations in Nigeria, I convey my heartfelt condolences to the families of those killed and those affected, and to the Government and the people of Borno State, and wish the injured a speedy recovery,” Mr Fall said.

The UN resident and humanitarian coordinator called on security authorities to apprehend the perpetrators of “this heinous attack and swiftly bring them to justice”.

“I also call for the immediate release of all those abducted,” the UN official stated.

Lamenting intermittent Boko Haram attacks in the North-East, Mr Fall said, “This recent killing of civilians is yet another grim reminder of the toll of rising violent attacks and insecurity in Borno State this year. Multiple attacks against civilians have been recorded, leading to the deaths of hundreds of civilians in Borno alone.

“The attacks, ranging from targeted attacks on communities to internally displaced persons (IDP) camps, using improvised explosive devices, suicide bombings, and other tactics, have targeted civilians, including farmers, fishermen, travellers, and traders.”

Last Friday, Boko Haram terrorists stormed Darul Jamal, killing over 60 people, torching over 20 houses and 10 buses overnight.

Governor Babagana Zulum, who visited Darul Jamal on Saturday, said, “It’s very sad, this community was resettled some months ago and they went about their normal business.”

The governor, who in May raised the alarm that politicians and some soldiers are sabotaging the fight against insurgency, acting as informants for terrorists, lamented that “The numerical strength of the Nigerian army is not enough to contain the situation.”