In a horrifying and tragic incident, at least nine farmers have been brutally slaughtered, with scores reported missing, as suspected members of Boko Haram terrorists launched a heinous attack on the peaceful communities of Koshebe, Karakul, and Bulabulin, located in Jere and Mafa Local Government Areas of Borno State.
The victims of this merciless attack primarily consisted of rice farmers from the Zabarmari Ward of Jere Council area, who had gathered in the fields to harvest their crops. Heartbreakingly, many are still unaccounted for, heightening the anguish of their families and communities.
Tragically, this horrifying event harkens back to a grim chapter in the region’s history. Nearly three years ago, in November 2020, the same rice fields bore witness to a massacre in which about 73 farmers lost their lives, with numerous others vanishing without a trace.
Hon. Ahmed Satomi, the dedicated representative of Jere at the national assembly, expressed his deep concern over these renewed attacks, which disproportionately target vulnerable and impoverished farmers. He offered his heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and prayed for their souls to find solace in Aljannatul Firdaus.
Satomi also shared that various stakeholders, including security agencies, hunters, and members of the civilian Joint Task Force, are actively engaged in the search for the missing individuals.
Disturbingly, the assailants, believed to be Boko Haram militants, arrived at the scene on motorcycles, tactically dividing themselves into three groups before launching their assault on the unsuspecting farmers. They refrained from using firearms, opting instead for the brutality of cutlasses and knives to inflict harm on their victims, as discharging firearms risked attracting the attention of nearby security personnel.
This gruesome attack is part of a disturbing trend. During the harvest season, Boko Haram terrorists have been escalating their assaults with alarming success, mercilessly targeting farmers in various areas of Borno State, including Bama, Gwoza, Mafa, Konduga, Gamboru Ngala, Dikwa, Marte, Jere, Maiduguri Metropolitan Council, Monguno, Kaga, and numerous other local government areas, often without encountering any resistance. The relentless cycle of violence continues to cast a dark shadow over the lives of those living in the region.
