Marauding Boko Haram insurgents carried out a brutal attack on Saturday night in Mafa Local Government Area of Borno State, leaving a trail of tragedy as they killed 10 farmers and abducted many others.
The attack unfolded late in the afternoon in the fields located between Bulakunkumma and Maiwa villages of Baram Karowa ward within the LGA. This was not the only incident, as the insurgents also infiltrated Zannari ward, a part of Maiduguri metropolitan area situated within the same LGA (Mafa) on the same day (Saturday). There, they demanded and secured N4 million from an undisclosed businessman to avert abduction.
While an impeccable source named Ya Bukar confirmed the attack and mentioned four abductees, another source, Goni Mohammed, stated that the number of abductees was nine.
“They came roving across farms in search of food and cash,” explained Bukar over the phone. He continued, “When the farmers said they couldn’t afford the amounts they requested for, they killed 10 of them, all men, and went away with four.”
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The insurgents’ strategy appears to have been to eliminate potential witnesses who could report their actions to security forces promptly.
Mohammed, on the other hand, reported, “The insurgents abducted nine farmers when they told them that they didn’t have any cash to give.”
As of now, the Borno State Police Command has not issued an official statement regarding these incidents. Efforts to reach ASP Sani Shatambaya, the spokesman for the Borno Police Command, have been unsuccessful.
This tragic event serves as a reminder of the security challenges faced by farmers in rural communities. Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, had recently cautioned farmers against remaining in the fields after 5 p.m. This curfew is intended to protect them from the insurgents who often roam the outskirts in search of prey. The governor also urged security forces and agro-rangers to ensure that no farmer remains in the fields beyond this stipulated time.
The situation highlights the ongoing security concerns in the region and the urgent need for measures to safeguard the lives and livelihoods of vulnerable populations.
