NRC: Killing of farmers threatens food security in Northeast Nigeria

The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) has warned that the continued killing of farmers will result to food insecurity in Northeast Nigeria.

In a statement on Tuesday, Anja Riiser, NRC’s Area Manager in Maiduguri said the body was horrified by the killing of, at least, 12 farmers in Kalle village, Borno state, northeast Nigeria this weekend.

“The level of violence registered lately in Northeast Nigeria is alarming,” she lamented.

“Farmers have been easy targets. These attacks risk making people too afraid to cultivate their land and may worsen the existing food crisis.

“Farmers should be able to cultivate their land and return to their families alive,” she added.

The latest attack against farmers underscore the vulnerability of rural communities, even as the authorities are encouraging displaced people to return home to rebuild their lives.

At least, 1300 persons are reported to have fled after the attack and many have taken refuge at a displacement camp in Maiduguri.

The attacks on farmers risk worsening the existing food crisis in Northeast Nigeria.

It is estimated that 2.9 million people are facing acute food insecurity in the north-eastern states of Adamawa, Yobe, and Borno where violence has been on the rise.

Crops have been destroyed and food stores looted, while farmers have either been killed or forced to flee their fields.

“There is an urgent need for measures to protect farmers against attacks and looting, so they can safely cultivate their lands and feed their families,” said Riiser.