Reacting to the reported killing of scores of rice farmers in Zabarmari area of Borno State, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, has stated that it was time for harder military action against the Boko Haram insurgents.
The Speaker while condemning the act in strong terms, expressed sadness over the killings of the innocent rice farmers.
He said it was unfortunate that at a time the country was focusing on self-sufficiency in rice farming, about 50 of the farmers were killed in a most gruesome manner.
The Speaker in a statement by his spokesman, Lanre Lasisi, commiserated with the families of the killed farmers, the people and government of Borno State over the sad incident, stressing that the House was 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.
“It’s unfortunate that about 50 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.
“My heart goes out to the families of the murdered farmers,” the Speaker said.
