At least 15 people collecting firewood in Marte Local Government Area of Borno State, Northeast Nigeria, were ambushed and killed on Thursday, 1 October 2026, in an attack Amnesty International has condemned as horrific.
The victims were residents who had gone into the surrounding bush to gather firewood, which they sell to earn a living or use to cook for their families.
According to reports, suspected members of Boko Haram targeted them. Reports also have local farmers and other residents in the area face such extreme risks every day.
Amnesty International, in a statement on its X handle on Friday said the targeting of civilians by non-state actors is a grave violation of international humanitarian law.
The organization called on the Nigerian authorities to take immediate, transparent, and human rights compliant measures to protect vulnerable communities across the region.
Amnesty International also urged the authorities to carry out a prompt, thorough, and independent investigation into the Marte killings so that those suspected to be responsible are brought to justice.
