Governor Babagana Zulum has expressed shock and sadness over the killing of eight farmers in Mafa Local Government Area of Borno State by the Islamic State of the West African Province (ISWAP).
The killing occurred in Shuwarin, Tomsu Ngamdu, Baram Karauwa and Muna on Thursday about 1 pm while the farmers were working on their farms.
Zulum, who visited Mafa, 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 of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, the Army, the Civilian Joint Task Force and hunters to protect farmers,” he said.
He said that “food insecurity is a worse crisis than Boko Haram”, noting that the government would do everything to ensure that people have access to their farmlands.
Earlier, a witness, Yarima Goni told Zulum that ISWAP terrorists who rode on motorcycles, attacked farmlands with Ak47 rifles.
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 about 8:30 am on Friday and prayer was held for them about 10 am,” he said.
Shereef Goni, another witness said five more victims were recovered in Tomsu Ngamdu, adding that a 15-year-old boy was spared by the insurgents.
Goni added that 10 other victims were kidnapped by the terrorists during the attack.
