Zabarmari massacre: Governors question security architecture after 43 farmers were killed by Boko Haram insurgents

The Nigerian Governors’ Forum has reacted to the killing of rice farmers in Borno State by Boko Haram insurgents. 

 

NGF Chairman and Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi who described the killing as “obnoxious, wicked, unwarranted and morally reprehensible”, added that it raises serious questions on the general security situation in the country and around the capability of the nation’s security architecture.

 

Noting that the forum would “collectively review these issues” at its next meeting to forge the way forward, Fayemi further stated that Boko Haram has been carrying out attacks each time it seems the situation is getting under control. 

 

He said; 

 

“This sad narrative raises serious questions on the general security situation in the country and around the capability of the nation’s security architecture.

“Since insurgency engulfed the country more than a decade ago, each time it seems like the situation is coming under control, the enemy strikes again. This has happened consistently. 

“The farmers were attacked while harvesting their produce totally oblivious of the danger that awaits them in nearby bushes. This method is consistent with the senseless bombings of busy markets, bus stations, schools and abattoirs whenever the terrorists feel overpowered by the security operatives or feel their backs against the wall.

“Governors are concerned that the carnage is degenerating beyond explicable limits, yet again, and the catalogue of destruction is not only seeming to be endless and intractable but it has an adverse effect on everything in the state and the country at large.”

 

The Northern Governors Forum also condemned the killing of the rice farmers. Chairman of the forum and Governor of Plateau State, Simon Lalong averred that the entire country was deeply saddened over the killing of the innocent rice farmers who committed no crime except going to the farm to earn a living.

 

He described it as a great setback to the efforts of Nigeria to attain domestic sufficiency in rice production as well as food security.