Crime

Boko Haram Loots Nearly Half of Farmers’ Crops in Borno, Says Senator Ndume

Published by Tope Fakinlede on October 10th, 2024.

Boko Haram Loots Nearly Half of Farmers’ Crops in Borno, Says Senator Ndume

Senator Mohammed Ndume, who represents Borno South, has raised alarms about the theft of crops by Boko Haram in the Gwoza area of Borno State.

On Wednesday, Ndume reported that village leaders from affected regions, including Ngoshe, Kirawa, and Ashigashiya, informed him that local farmers are facing severe hardships due to the loss of almost half of their harvests. These farmers, already struggling, are now left frustrated and hungry.

“Concerning the resurgence of Boko Haram attacks, particularly on farmers during the harvest season, village heads have confirmed that terrorists have looted nearly half of the crops produced by farmers in Ngoshe, Kirawa, Ashigashiya, and nearby communities around the Mandara Mountains,” he stated, as reported by Vanguard.

Ndume, a former chair of the Senate Committee on Army, urged the Nigerian government to strengthen military operations by providing better equipment and support for the armed forces. He noted his recent discussion with Chief of Defence Staff General Christopher Musa, who mentioned plans to deploy more troops to Gwoza to help safeguard farmers and their crops.

“The military is committed to ending the Boko Haram threat, but they need to be adequately equipped, trained, and motivated to succeed,” Ndume emphasized.

The senator also addressed social media rumors about an ambush on his convoy by suspected terrorists, clarifying that he returned safely from a condolence visit to the families of recent victims. He recounted an incident on Tuesday where his convoy, protected by military escorts, was alerted to an ambush of Cameroonian soldiers along the Pulka-Kirawa Road.

Despite the risks, Ndume and his team proceeded to Kirawa to express condolences to those affected by prior attacks. He encouraged residents to stay resilient amid the ongoing violence, which has escalated in the region.

Ndume mentioned that the ambush targeted a Cameroonian businessman, Alhaji Kadi, who was killed along with an unidentified woman, while several others were injured.