Lucky Obukohwo, Reporting
Farmers in Mafa Local Government Area of Borno State have narrated how the Islamic State of the West African Province (ISWAP) killed eight farmers in their various farms, kidnapped 10 others and sparing a -15-year-old boy.
The killings took place in Shuwarin, Tomsu Ngamdu, Baram Karauwa and Muna on Thursday at about 1 pm while the farmers were working on their farms.
The farmers who witnessed the killings, told the governor of the state, Babagana Zulum who visited the community how it all happened.
An eye witness, Yarima Goni told governor Zulum that the ISWAP terrorists rode on motorcycles to attack farmlands with Ak47 riffle.
Another witness, Malam Bukar Grema, told the governor that three victims of the attack were buried in Shuwarin community.
“Most of the victims had their hands tied behind them.
“We recovered their bodies at about 8:30 am on Friday and prayer was held for them at about 10:00 am,” he said.
Shereef Goni, another witness said five more victims were recovered in Tomsu Ngamdu, adding that the insurgents speared a 15-year old boy.
Goni said that the terrorists kidnapped ten other victims during the attack.
Responding, the governor of the state, Zulum Babagana, described the attack as unfortunate.
He said the state government would partner with security agencies to deploy more soldiers to secure farmlands.
“The state government will immediately convene a Security Council meeting to come up with ways of ensuring adequate security to farmers.
“The government will also inaugurate the Agro Rangers team, comprising, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, the Army, the Civilian Joint Task Force and hunters to protect farmers,” he said.
Babagana said that food insecurity was a worse crisis than Boko Haram, noting that the government would do everything to ensure that the people have access to their farmlands.