The United States has condemned the November 28 killings of farmers in Borno State just as it urged the Federal government to ensure that the perpetrators of the attacks were brought to book.
Dozens of farmers were killed by Boko Haram insurgents on Saturday night in Zabarmari village, a rice farming community in Jere Local Government Area of Borno State.
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The United States, according to a statement from its mission in Abuja offered its deepest condolences to the families and friends of those killed or kidnapped.
“These abhorrent attacks are a stark reminder of why the United States stands with the Nigerian government and people as they fight to defeat terrorism and work to bring the perpetrators to justice,” it said.
UN humanitarian coordinator in Nigeria, Edward Kallon had revealed that at least 110 people were killed in the attack but Nigerian government insisted that it was 43.
The Governor of the State, Babagana Zulum had earlier on Sunday participated in the funeral prayers for 43 (dead) victims of the attack.
Daily Trust reports that the victims, who were rice farmers, were attacked on their farms in Koshebe area of Zabarmari village, and murdered in cold blood.
One of the local hunters, who participated in a search and rescue operation, said most of the farmers found dead in the rice field had their throats slit.
“We have recovered 43 corpses. The attackers slaughtered all of them,” he said.
“As we speak, there is great disquiet and mourning in our communities,” the hunter said.
The Chairman Rice Farmers Association in Zabarmari, Malam Hassan, who corroborated the sad incident, expressed dismay over the senseless and vicious killing of innocent farmers, including children.
“It is very sad, for us, that these people went to their farms to work, only to be attacked and killed in this manner. So far, we have recovered 43 corpses, including children.”
