Borno Attack: Bauchi Govt Condemns Massacre Of Farmers
Says it’s a challenge to national security
BY ADEYEMI AKANJI, BAUCHI – Bauchi State Government has condemned the recent killings of rice farmers in Borno state by the dreaded Boko Haram militants, describing it as an affront on the government and people of Nigeria.
It also said the ugly development is a serious challenge to national security as well as resolve and capacity to guarantee the safety of lives and property of Nigerian citizens and residents.
In a statement by the Senior Special Assistant on Media to the Governor, Mukhtar Gidado, the Bauchi government said; “It is also with every sense of responsibility that we want to place on record our view that the security challenges plaguing the entire country, demand a complete overhaul of the prevailing national security architecture so that the gaps in intelligence gathering, human capacity and firepower, can be sufficiently ameliorated”.
It further said; “More than ever before, the world is aghast at the sheer bestiality visited on these hapless citizens and the psyche of Nigerians; prompting the United Nations to issue a very emotional riposte, to the incident.
“Once again, the nation is united in grief as we mourn the macabre murder of many innocent Nigerians, by the Boko Haram insurgents. Though the victims lived in Zabarmari town, the attack, no doubt the most horrendous in recent times, was said to have taken place at Koshebe Village of Mafa Local Government Area, about 25 minutes’ drive from Maiduguri, the Borno State capital.”
According to the State government; “As tempting as it is, we believe that this is not a time for blame game or name calling. Rather, the moment calls for sober reflection, for a closing of ranks by the political and military elite as well as other stakeholders, to work out a solution to this protracted destabilising insurgency”.
Reflecting on the pathetic sight of Borno state Governor, Babagana Zulum at the funeral of those 43 victims, as the awe-stricken people watched in anguish, the statement said it is a constant reminder that eternal vigilance is the price Nigerians have to pay for their freedom.
“We feel the pains of the inhabitants of this breadbasket that has been turned into a killing field. It is indeed a painful irony, that the farmers were slaughtered while engaging in the legitimate effort not only to feed their families but to contribute to national development. This indeed is one massacre too many”, the government expressed.
“Our hearts go out to the traumatised families of the victims and the Government and good people of Borno State. We also commiserate with the President and Commander-in-Chief who, despite all efforts so far, has had to carry the brunt of this senseless insurgency that has dislocated life in North East Nigeria with a Domino-like effect on the entire country.
“Once again, on behalf of the Government and people of Bauchi State, His Excellency, Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed condoles with His Excellency, President Muhammadu Buhari and Governor Babagana Umara Zulum and the Government and people of Borno State, particularly the Zabarmari constituency who lost loved ones in this show of shame.
“We pray for the peaceful repose of the souls of the victims of the “Zabarmari” massacre and entrust members of the bereaved families, to God’s protection and succour”, the statement said
