In the town of Marte, Borno, ISWAP militants recently took a drastic measure by severing the hands of two fishermen, casting a grim shadow over their fishing community.
The roots of this horrific incident delve into the complex dynamics between the militant group and the local fishermen.
Operating under the stringent control of ISWAP, the fishermen were not only tasked with navigating the challenges of their trade but were also subjected to levies and taxes imposed by the extremist organisation.
In this tightly regulated environment, adherence to financial obligations was not just a matter of compliance but a lifeline in the perilous waters they navigated.
Sources familiar with the unfortunate event revealed that the two fishermen, perhaps overwhelmed by the financial strain, failed to fulfil their tax obligations.
This breach of the imposed financial order led to a ruthless response from the militants. In an act of retribution, the terrorists confiscated eight cartons of fish, a livelihood lifeline for the struggling fishermen.
In a twist of desperation, as the militants loaded the fish onto their canoe, logistical constraints forced them to abandon two cartons. Seizing a fleeting opportunity, the two fishermen clandestinely reclaimed the abandoned cartons, unknowingly sealing their fate.
