Governor Babagana Zulum has expressed deep shock and sorrow following the tragic killing of eight farmers in Mafa Local Government Area of Borno State.

The perpetrators of this heinous act were identified as members of the Islamic State of the West African Province (ISWAP).

According to the report by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the farmers were attacked in Shuwarin, Tomsu Ngamdu, Baram Karauwa, and Muna while they were engaged in their agricultural activities on Thursday around 1 pm.

During his visit to Mafa, Governor Zulum expressed his heartfelt condolences to the affected families and labeled the attack as a profoundly unfortunate incident. Recognizing the need for immediate action, he assured the public that the state government would collaborate closely with security agencies to reinforce the presence of additional troops in order to enhance the security of farmlands.

The governor’s commitment to partnering with security agencies in deploying more soldiers demonstrates the government’s determination to safeguard the lives and livelihoods of farmers. This collaborative effort aims to mitigate future attacks and ensure a secure environment for agricultural activities in the region.

“The state government will immediately convene a Security Council meeting to come up with ways of ensuring adequate security for 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.

Governor Zulum emphasized the gravity of the food insecurity crisis, comparing it to the threat posed by Boko Haram. He acknowledged the urgency of the situation and pledged that the government would take all necessary measures to ensure that the people regain access to their farmlands. Recognizing that food security is of paramount importance, the governor affirmed his commitment to addressing this pressing issue.

According to Yarima Goni, an eyewitness, the attack was carried out by armed ISWAP militants who arrived on motorcycles, brandishing AK-47 rifles. Their targeted assault occurred on farmlands, disrupting the lives and livelihoods of the farmers who were present at the time. The witness’s account shed light on the ruthless and violent nature of the attackers.

Malam Bukar Grema, another eyewitness, informed the governor that three individuals who fell victim to the attack were laid to rest in the Shuwarin community. This heartbreaking testimony serves as a painful reminder of the human toll and the devastating consequences inflicted by such acts of violence.

Governor Zulum’s encounter with these witnesses allowed him to gain firsthand insights into the details of the attack and the aftermath, further strengthening his resolve to address the security and food insecurity challenges faced by the people of Borno State.

“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.

According to Shereef Goni, an additional witness, the aftermath of the attack revealed the recovery of five more victims in Tomsu Ngamdu. Notably, a 15-year-old boy miraculously escaped harm at the hands of the insurgents, providing a glimmer of hope amidst the tragic events.

Furthermore, Goni disclosed that the assailants also kidnapped ten individuals during the attack. This distressing revelation underscores the far-reaching consequences of the insurgents’ actions, as innocent people were taken captive, further exacerbating the anguish and instability in the region.