By Ebenezer Mabinuola
The United States Mission in Nigeria has issued a strong condemnation of a deadly ambush by armed assailants along the Gwoza–Limankara road in Borno State earlier this week.
The attack claimed the life of a staff member of the Justice Development and Peace Commission (JDPC), a long-standing partner in humanitarian and peacebuilding efforts in Nigeria’s insurgency-hit Northeast. Another JDPC worker was abducted and remains missing.
In a statement released on June 5, the U.S. Mission described the incident as a “senseless act of violence” and called on Nigerian authorities to swiftly identify and prosecute those responsible. “We are deeply saddened by this loss and extend our condolences to the victim’s family, the JDPC team, and all affected,” the statement read.
JDPC, a Catholic Church-affiliated development agency, has been pivotal in grassroots efforts promoting social justice, resilience, and humanitarian relief in conflict zones. The attack has reverberated across Nigeria’s humanitarian community, heightening concerns over the safety of aid workers in volatile regions.
The U.S. Mission reaffirmed its support for JDPC and other local partners who continue to serve vulnerable populations under high-risk conditions. It also pledged ongoing collaboration to strengthen peacebuilding and regional security.
This latest tragedy underscores the persistent threat posed by insurgent groups in Borno despite continued military operations. As investigations proceed, the international community is calling for greater protection of frontline aid workers—whose efforts remain vital to Nigeria’s fragile recovery process.
