Gbajabiamila Condemns Killing of Rice Farmers in Borno

By Adedayo Akinwale

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, has condemned in the strongest terms, the killing of about 43 rice farmers in Zabarmari, Borno State by Boko Haram insurgents.

The Speaker, in a statement issued Sunday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Lanre Lasisi, said it was unfortunate that at a time the country was focusing on self-sufficiency in rice farming, about 43 of the farmers were killed in a most gruesome manner

Gbajabiamila, who expressed sadness over the killings of the innocent rice farmers, noted that the incident has once again brought to the fore the need for more military action against the terrorists.

He stated: “It’s unfortunate that about 43 of our countrymen lost their lives to the barbaric and inhuman action of the insurgents at this time.

“This incident is one too many for us as a country. Here were innocent citizens going about their lives of looking for their daily bread to cater for their families. But are murdered in a most gruesome manner.

“Their lives should not go in vain. This should call for more action from our military. As a House, we are ever ready to give them all the necessary support, especially through budgetary allocation, to deal decisively with the insurgents.”

The Speaker said the House is determined and ready to provide all necessary support, including the ongoing budgeting process to ensure that funds are allocated for the security agencies to carry out their mandate of wiping out the terrorists.

Gbajabiamila also commiserated with the families of the farmers, the people and government of Borno State over the sad incident.