The Presidency has broken silence on the unfortunate massacre of about 100 farmers by Boko Haram insurgents in Borno
According to President Mohammadu Buhari’s spokesman, the slain rice farmers did not get military clearance before going to their farms.
Speaking with BBC on Monday, Garba Shehu said that the farmers should have waited for military clearance before going to their farms.
He added that despite the fact that the military id in full control of all parts of Borno, clearance is needed to visit some parts.
Recall that the United Nations has desbried the attack as “the most violent attack” targeted at civilians in 2020.
According to him: “People need to understand what it is like in the Lake Chad area. Much of those areas have been liberated from Boko Haram terrorists but there are a number of spaces that have not been cleared for the return of villagers who have been displaced.
“Ideally, all of these places ought to probably be allowed to pass the test of military clearance before settlers or even farmers resume activities on those fields.”
When asked if he was blaming the farmers for the attack Shehu said: “Not exactly, but the truth has to be said. Is there any clearance by the military which is in total control of those areas? Did anybody ask to resume activities? I have been told by the military leaders that they have not been so advised.”
