At least nine farmers fell victim to brutal violence, and numerous others remain unaccounted for following an assault believed to be carried out by Boko Haram terrorists in the communities of Koshebe, Karakul, and Bulabulin in Borno state’s Jere and Mafa Local Government Areas.
The majority of the victims were hardworking rice farmers hailing from Zabarmari Ward within the Jere Council area. These farmers had ventured into their fields to reap the fruits of their labor, leaving many others in a state of uncertainty and concern.
Remarkably, this grim incident occurred almost three years after a similar tragedy unfolded in November 2020 when terrorists infiltrated the same rice fields, leaving around 73 farmers dead and many others unaccounted for.
Hon. Ahmed Satomi, a representative of the Jere constituency in the national assembly, confirmed this tragic event, expressing deep distress at the recurrent targeting of vulnerable farmers.
Satomi extended his heartfelt sympathies to the families of the victims and offered prayers that Allah (God) would grant the deceased a place in Aljannatul Firdaus.
He also highlighted the ongoing collaborative efforts of security agencies, local hunters, members of the civilian Joint Task Force, and other stakeholders in the search for the missing individuals.
Reports suggest that the terrorists, operating on motorcycles, organized themselves into three separate groups before launching their assault on the farmers.
Rather notably, these attackers refrained from using firearms, instead opting for cutlasses and knives to perpetrate their violence, as discharging firearms might have attracted the attention of nearby security personnel.
During the harvest season, the Boko Haram terrorists have exhibited an alarming increase in successful attacks and the killing of farmers across multiple areas, including Bama, Gwoza, Mafa, Konduga, Gamboru Ngala, Dikwa, Marte, Jere, Maiduguri Metropolitan Council, Monguno, Kaga, and numerous other local government regions in Borno state, all without encountering any substantial opposition.
