The Borno State governor, Babagana Zulum, has expressed sadness over the killing of eight farmers in Mafa Local Government Area of the state by suspected members of the Islamic State of the West African Province, ISWAP.
Recall that the killing occurred in Shuwarin, Tomsu Ngamdu, Baram Karauwa and Muna on Thursday at about 1pm while the farmers were working on their farms.
Speaking during a condolence visit to Mafa town, Mr Zulum described the attack as unfortunate.
According to him, the state government will 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 of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, the Army, the Civilian Joint Task Force and hunters to protect farmers,” he added.
While assuring the farmers of improved security, Mr Zulum noted that that food insecurity is worse than Book Haram insurgency.
Narrating their ordeals, a witness, Yarima Goni, told the governor that the insurgents rode on motorcycles and attacked the farmlands with Ak47 rifles.
Another witness, Bukar Grema, said 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 a 15-year-old boy was speared by the insurgents.
Mr Goni added that 10 other victims were kidnapped by the terrorists during the attack.
