Amnesty International has condemned the brutal killing of 23 farmers and fishermen in Malam Karanti village, Borno State, by Boko Haram terrorists in an early Thursday morning attack.

In a statement posted on its official X handle on Saturday, the global human rights organization described the attack as a "ruthless act" that highlights the urgent need for the Nigerian government to strengthen protection measures for civilians against insurgent violence.

"#BokoHaram must end its vicious killing spree targeting civilians," the organization stated, emphasizing that the deliberate targeting and killing of civilians, along with the destruction of their property, amounts to war crimes and crimes against humanity that warrant thorough investigation.

According to Amnesty International, this incident is part of a disturbing pattern they have been documenting since 2020. The organization revealed that Boko Haram has repeatedly slaughtered farmers and fishermen for various reasons, including refusing to pay illegal levies, paying levies to rival armed groups, or disobeying directives on farming and fishing activities.

The human rights body reiterated its call on Nigerian authorities to prioritize the safety of rural communities in the region and ensure that those responsible for such atrocities are held accountable.

This attack comes amid ongoing security challenges in northeastern Nigeria, where Boko Haram and its factions have continued to target civilian populations despite government efforts to contain the insurgency.

The Nigerian government has yet to issue an official response to this latest incident or outline specific measures to prevent similar attacks in the future.