By Godswill Michael
The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, has demanded justice for 15 farmers killed by suspected terrorists in Marte Local Government Area of Borno State.
Kyari, in a statement issued on Sunday, condemned the killings and urged security agencies to intensify operations to apprehend those responsible.
He also called for efforts to locate three other persons reportedly missing following the attack.
“I am deeply saddened and outraged by the tragic killing of 15 farmers in Marte Local Government Area of Borno State by suspected terrorists,” Kyari said.
He described the victims as innocent Nigerians who lost their lives while working on their farms to earn a living and contribute to the country’s food security.
The minister expressed condolences to the families of the victims, the people of Marte, Governor Babagana Zulum, and the government and people of Borno State.
“I pray that Almighty Allah grant the deceased eternal rest and comfort their families,” he said.
Kyari said the killing of farmers represented an attack not only on lives and livelihoods but also on the country’s efforts to achieve food security.
“The killing of farmers is not only an attack on innocent lives and livelihoods, but also on our collective efforts to achieve food security,” he said.
He said the Federal Government remained committed to creating a safe environment for farmers under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
“Under the Renewed Hope Agenda of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, we remain committed to creating an environment where farmers can cultivate their lands safely and productively,” Kyari said.
The minister commended security agencies for their efforts to protect farming communities but urged them to intensify operations in the affected areas.
“I commend our security agencies for their efforts to protect farming communities and urge them to intensify operations to bring those responsible to justice and locate the three persons reportedly still missing,” he said.
Kyari stressed the importance of protecting farmers to the country’s food supply, saying, “Protecting our farmers is protecting Nigeria’s food security.”
He also prayed for continued protection for farmers, rural communities and the country.