x

Borno: Farmers killed by Boko Haram have themselves to blame —Presidency

The Presidency on Monday stated that the 43 farmers that were killed by Boko Haram on Saturday did not have military clearance to be on the rice farms when the attack happened.

The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, said this in an interview with the BBC on Monday.

He said while not blaming the victims for the incident, the truth must be said.

Shehu said, “The government is sad that this tragic incident has happened. 43 or thereabout of innocent farm workers, most of them had their throats slit by a heartless band of terrorists. People need to know what it is like in the Lake Chad Basin area.

“Much of those areas have been liberated from Boko Haram terrorists but there are a number of spaces that have not been cleared for the return of villagers who have been displaced. So, ideally, all of these places ought to pass the test of military clearances before farmers or settlers resume activities on those fields.”

When asked if he was not blaming the farmers for going to the area, Shehu responded, “Not exactly but the truth has to be said. Was there any clearance by the military which is in total control of those areas? Did anybody ask to resume activity? I have been told by the military leaders that they had not been so advised and certainly, therefore, it was a window that the terrorists exploited.”

The President’s spokesman said terrorists had planted land mines in several places in Borno State and nobody ought to go to these places until the military has cleared such places.

He added, “The military is not present in every inch of space in that area. Even if the people are willing to go back, a lot of those areas have been mined and mine clearance needs to be carried out and those areas must be cast as being ok for human habitation or agricultural activity.”

Hot this week

Breaking! Appointments Scandal Rocks Investments and Security Tribunal

There are indications that there be crisis in at...

Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda Anchored on Infrastructure, Says Minister Goronyo

By Jabiru Hassan The Minister of State for Works, Barrister...

Kogi Govt to Enforce Ban on Trailer Parks Over Security Concerns

By Noah Ocheni, Lokoja The Kogi State Government has announced...

U.S. Advocacy Groups Reject Tinubu’s IPOB–Boko Haram Comparison, Demand Kanu’s Release

By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna Three U.S.-based human rights and self-determination...

Security: Wike Lights Up Abuja Districts, Flags – Off integrated Solar Lighting Project

By Joyce Remi-Babayeju The FCT Minister, Barr. Nyesom Wike, on...

Gov Sule Flags Off Bursary Disbursement, Reiterates Commitment to Education

By Abel Leonard, Lafia Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State...

North-Central APC Forum Urges Tinubu, NASS to Reject Calls for State Police

By Israel Adamu, Jos The North-Central All Progressives Congress (APC)...

Africa’s infrastructure deficit takes spotlight at pre-G20 event

..Two-day side event in Johannesburg seeks to mobilize global...

Bandits Kill Businessman in Kogi, Kidnap Bus Passengers in Yagba

Ny Noah Ocheni, Lokoja Suspected bandits have killed a prominent...

Related Articles

Popular Categories

spot_imgspot_img