Governors of the thirty-six states of the country under the aegis of the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) have described the killing of over forty (43) rice farmers in Garin Kwashebe in Jere Local Government Area of Borno State on Saturday, November 28, 2020, by suspected Boko Haram terrorists as obnoxious, wicked, unwarranted, and morally reprehensible.
Aminu Waziri Tambuwal in his dual capacity as the Governor of Sokoto State and the Deputy Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) along with the Chairman of the Forum, who is also the Governor of Ekiti State, Kayode Fayemi and Kebbi State Governor, Alhaji Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, who is also the Chairman of Progressives Governors’ Forum (PGF), said when they visited their Borno State counterpart, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum.
In a statement signed by the NGF Chairman and Ekiti State Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi, the action of the Boko Haram Insurgents have brought back what they described as the ugly memories of several dastardly attacks on soft targets in the state.
The statement read, “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, under the platform of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) view this attack, like many before it, as obnoxious, wicked, unwarranted, and morally reprehensible.
“This sad narrative raises serious questions on the general security situation in the country and around the capability of the nation’s security architecture. It also raises questions on whether or not there are adequate arrangements to protect lives and property.
“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.
“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.
“Finally, the NGF will collectively review these issues at our next meeting to forge the way forward.”
Also reacting to the bloody massacre, Emir of Fika and Chairman Yobe State Council of Chiefs, Dr Muhammad Ibn Abali Muhammadu Idrissa CON strongly kicked against the killings carried out by the Boko Haram terrorist in Zabarmari Village of Borno State on Saturday.
He expressed sympathy and condolences to the families of the deceased, Borno State Governor, His Excellency, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, Shehu of Borno, His Royal Highness, Alhaji Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai and the entire people of Borno State.
“We pray Allah to grant the deceased paradise and give us peace and protection”, the Emir said.
