MAIDUGIRI, Nigeria – The Governor of Borno State, Babagana Zulum, has issued a dire warning concerning the increasing attacks on farmers by alleged Boko Haram terrorists across several communities within the state.
During a condolence visit on Friday, June 23, 2023, to the afflicted communities in Jere and Mafa local government areas, where the brutal murders of eight farmers and scavengers were recently reported, the governor expressed his deep concern.
This devastating event is the latest in a string of similar attacks on farmers throughout Borno State in the preceding weeks.
“I am deeply concerned about the increasing number of attacks on our hardworking farmers,” Governor Zulum said.
He pointed out the alarming circumstance of approximately 16 farmers in Molai and Kayamla communities being killed for cultivating lands situated 11 km outside the designated safe zone for farming activities.
The governor further expressed suspicion of an organized attempt to sabotage the counterinsurgency efforts of the federal government and the military.
“It seems like there’s a systematic effort to undermine our counterinsurgency operations,” he said.
In addition to the violence, Zulum voiced his concerns over the challenges farmers face in reaching their farmlands, indicating that the current placement of military roadblocks along the Maiduguri/Mafa Road were contributing to these difficulties.
In response, he promised that these roadblocks would be relocated to facilitate better access for farmers.
Governor Zulum also used this occasion to rally the spirit of the farmers, urging them to maintain their resilience in these difficult times. “We must remain steadfast and resilient. We will not be broken by these attacks,” he stated.
Providing assurance to the farmers, Zulum revealed that the state government would convene a security meeting to discuss strategies for addressing the escalating insecurity.
He hinted at the potential re-establishment of agro-rangers and the formation of a joint security task force to bolster security measures.
“Our response to these challenges will be robust and effective. We are looking at all possible strategies, including re-establishing agro-rangers and creating a joint security task force,” the governor assured.
This renewed wave of attacks underscores the urgent need for robust countermeasures to protect the lives and livelihoods of the state’s residents and maintain the precarious peace in the region.
