Zabarmari: Military Contradicts Earlier Report With Fresh Claims

Enenche Troops

The Nigerian military has shed further light with regard to the killing of rice farmers in Zabarmari, Borno State.

Speaking to journalists in a press conference in Abuja on Thursday, military Spokesman, Major General John Enenche, hinted that the farmers were interacting with the insurgents before they were killed.

According to the military, its sources disclosed that the farmers, about 70 of them, were invited by the insurgents the day they were murdered.

“I want to say that the armed forces we have now and security agents is normally determined by the people,” he said.

“It’s not in our powers or to say yes or no. It is the kind of force package …each time I brief, talk to you here, I say Air Force will make an enhanced force package of fighter jets, helicopter gun-shooter then take out opposition.

“The same thing with the army; the same thing with the navy. So, for every government it is what you want. It is not for the military to begin to join issues or begin to contest.

“From the testimony we got from a credible source who escaped, part of them said that they[Boko Haram] called about 70 of them. They invited them to come.

“And when they were going they thought it was the usual interaction they used to have. That brings a lot of things. That brings a lot of things for all of us to learn.

“That means they were having interactions with them [Boko Haram] under some arrangements or whatever subject to further confirmations. We are still working on that.”

Eko Hot Blog had earlier reported that Abubakar Shekau, leader of the terrorist group, Boko Haram on Tuesday debunked claims in the media that the number of farmers killed on Saturday was 43. Shekau claimed that his operatives had slaughtered farmers numbering somewhere within the neighbourhood of 78.

Shekau’s claim of 78 is slightly above the figure (70) the military is now projecting.
Again, this recent claim by the military contradicts earlier reports that the farmers were killed while in the process of harvesting their farm produce.

While speaking to newsmen, Governor Babagana Zulum had said that 43 farmers were killed during the tragic incident.

However, in a video released on Tuesday, Boko Haram leader, Shekau, boasted that his men slaughtered no less than 78 farmers.

Ronny Ikpoto

Edidiong-Ronny Ikpoto holds a First Class degree in Media Studies. He shares a healthy enthusiasm for journalism, social & literary criticism, and creative writing.