Governor Babagana Zulum has expressed shock and sadness over the killing of eight farmers in Mafa Local Government Area of Borno by the Islamic State of the West African Province (ISWAP).

The killing occurred in Shuwarin, Tomsu Ngamdu, Baram Karauwa and Muna on Thursday at about 1:00 p.m. while the farmers were working on their farms.

Mr Zulum, who visited Mafa, described the attack as unfortunate.

He said the state government will partner with  security agencies to deploy more soldiers to secure farmlands.

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

He said that food insecurity was the worst crisis than Boko Haram, noting that the government would do everything to ensure that the people have access to their farmlands.

Earlier, a witness, Yarima Goni, told Mr Zulum that ISWAP terrorists who rode on motorcycles, attacked farmlands with AK-47 rifles.

Another witness, Bukar Grema, told the governor that three victims of the attack were buried in the Shuwarin community.

“Most of the victims had their hands tied behind them.

“We recovered their bodies at about 8:30 a.m. on Friday and prayer was held for them at about 10:00 am,” he said.

Shereef Goni, another witness said five more victims were recovered in Tomsu Ngamdu, adding that a 15-year-old boy was spared by the insurgents.

Mr Goni added that ten other victims were kidnapped by the terrorists during the attack.

(NAN)