_Maiduguri, Nigeria – A Boko Haram assault on Tarfa village, Biu Local Government Area, Borno State, left five people dead, including a pastor of the Church of the Brethren (EYN) and two members of the local hunters’ vigilante group, according to the North‑East Chairman and Commander of Hunters/Vigilantes (Sarkin Baka), Mallam Shawulu Yohanna.
The attack occurred at about 4 p.m. on Wednesday, January 21, 2025, as residents returned from their farms to harvest groundnuts, beans and other crops. “Six of my members engaged the terrorists, but they were overwhelmed by superior firepower,” Yohanna said, confirming that two hunters, the unnamed pastor, and two civilians were killed in the exchange. The insurgents also looted foodstuffs and livestock before fleeing the community, which lies on the border between Biu and Hawul local government areas
Eyewitnesses described a chaotic scene as gunmen on motorcycles stormed the village, firing indiscriminately and setting homes ablaze. “The pastor had just returned from his farm when he heard gunshots and tried to escape, only to be shot dead at the front of his house,” a resident recounted, adding that the entire village was left “burnt down” and residents displaced
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Borno State chapter, through its chairman Most Rev. John Bakeni, confirmed the death toll and identified one of the victims as Pastor Evangelist Musa Umoru, urging urgent government intervention to secure the area. “We are under constant fear; five people were killed, including Pastor Musa Umoru. We need urgent government intervention,” a local source said
Attempts to reach the Borno State Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Keneth Daso, for comment were unsuccessful, and the police spokesperson, ASP Nahum Daso, said he had not yet received details of the incident but would verify the report
The attack underscores the persistent insecurity in Borno’s rural communities, where insurgent groups continue to target civilians and local defense forces despite ongoing military operations under Operation Hadin Kai. Security analysts warn that without reinforced presence and rapid response capabilities, such villages remain vulnerable to repeated raids.
