By Abdulkareem Haruna

In a tragic incident on Thursday, Boko Haram militants beheaded seven farmers in Maiduguri, Borno State, putting a dent in the efforts to ensure food security in the region.

The farmers were carrying out their duties about 5 km from Molai, on the outskirts of Maiduguri, when the terrorists struck.

Confirming the incident, Sainna Buba, a government official responsible for coordinating the farmers’ travel with security forces, expressed his sadness and described the attack as a setback. He stated that all seven victims were beheaded and had been buried after a funeral service.

Abudulmumeen Bulama, a local Civilian-JTF vigilance group security officer, spoke of the horror of the attack, saying, “we were only able to mobilize and reach the scene late on Thursday. Upon arrival, we were met with a horrifying sight: some victims had their throats slit from behind, while others were completely beheaded,” struggling to hold back tears.

The incident has raised concerns about the safety of farmers in the area, with many expressing grief and calling on the government to take urgent action.

Female farmer Becky Koji stated, “We are not safe anymore; these attacks are becoming too many, and the government needs to do something urgently.”

In response to the attack, soldiers have been carrying out security checks on farmers in the area. 

A Premium Times reporter visited Molai Road on Friday morning and observed many farmers undergoing profiling by soldiers. After completing the security check, the farmers received exit cards, granting them permission to pass through the outskirts checkpoint and access their fields.

Speaking about the lack of protection, Mohammed Ayuba, a local farmer, stated that  “the protection we receive only extends to the highway; no security personnel accompanies us to our farms in the woods, which are sometimes five kilometers away; this leaves us vulnerable.”

The attack occurred just days after the Borno State government launched a large-scale return-to-farm program aimed at supporting local farmers and enhancing food security in the region. The program involves the distribution of around 300 tractor-trucks to farmers. However, the attack has raised questions about the safety of farmers in the area.

This latest beheading of seven farmers by Boko Haram is part of a pattern of violent attacks by the terrorist group in the region.

Over the past decade, Boko Haram has been responsible for the deaths of thousands and the displacement of millions of people. The attack also undermines efforts to decrease reliance on food aid in the region and increase self-sufficiency in food production.