Farmers Are Fleeing As Boko Haram Killings Resurface

Borno State, in just over two weeks, has witnessed four devastating attacks by Boko Haram insurgents, resulting in the loss of at least 36 lives. The attacks, primarily targeted at farmers in their fields, are posing a significant threat to the state’s relative peace and food security achievements over the years.

According to reports, the attacks occurred between June 14 and June 30, leaving many farmers injured and forcing others to abandon their fields this season. Most of these attacks took place in southern Borno, which is known as the agricultural hub of the state, and they are now posing a significant threat to food security in Borno, the entire North East, and the country as a whole.

One of the recent attacks happened on June 26, in which suspected Boko Haram militants ambushed and killed seven farmers in Damboa Local Government Area. In another attack on June 14, 15 people were brutally murdered while working on their farmlands in Damboa and Jere local government areas.

The killings have become more worrisome due to the insurgents’ change in modus operandi, as they now trail and silently slaughter farmers in their isolated fields. Additionally, some areas attacked by the insurgents have minimal or no security presence, making the situation more precarious.

In a new development, the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) imposed a ban on farming, fishing, and herding activities in the northeastern region of Marte. This move was to punish farming communities for alleged spying for the military, which led to airstrikes that killed several ISWAP commanders and forced the group to abandon their bases.

To alleviate the high cost of living caused by the withdrawal of fuel subsidy, Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Zulum, has released 80 vehicles to transport farmers to their farms for free in Damboa LGA and other parts of the state. Despite this intervention, many farmers remain uncertain about their safety and are forced to abandon their farms due to fear of attacks.

The escalating attacks and security challenges are creating concerns among farmers in Damboa, especially in the western part, where uncertainties over the security situation persist. The fear of possible attacks has led many farmers to abandon their farmlands, impacting food production and harvest.

The Borno State government and Nigerian security forces are working to address the situation and provide adequate protection to farmers. However, the ongoing attacks highlight the urgent need for enhanced security measures to safeguard the lives and livelihoods of the affected communities.