Boko Haram’s beheading of 43 rice farmers in the town of Zabarmari, Jere local government area of Borno State has caused furore on Twitter.
The rice farmers were said to be harvesting their crops when they were captured and their throats slashed.
The incident which reportedly occurred on Saturday afternoon caused tension in the town and neighbouring communities, with many residents fleeing for safety, it was learnt.
The Member representing Jere Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Ahmed Satomi, confirmed the incident, Premium Times reported.
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Also, a former Chairman of a rice farmers association in Borno State, Hassan Zabarmari, confirmed the incident.
AFP reported that the victims were mostly labourers from Sokoto State, who were contracted to harvest paddy in the rice fields.
“It was a sad incident that took place at about 11 a.m today (Saturday).
“The farmers were attacked at the Garin-Kwashebe rice field, and according to reports reaching us since afternoon, about 40 of them were killed.
“But we have been receiving conflicting information on the casualty figures – some said it was up to 50 farmers that were slaughtered,” Zabarmari said.
Nigerians who described the killing as “senseless”, used the hashtag #ZabarmariMassacre to condemn it and call on the Federal Government to bring an end to insecurity across the nation.
Read reactions monitored on Twitter:
The news on #ZabarmariMassacre is heartbreaking. 43 farmers, beheaded. Just like that. It’s national tragedy. It should force a change in the national security set up. It should be a reason to better protect Nigerians. The hopelessness is overwhelming.
— JJ. Omojuwa (@Omojuwa) November 28, 2020
As we speak, no official word on the #ZabarmariMassacre. We have run out of leadership, our leadership has run out of “we condemn” and “will bring them to book”. Empty words have been found out. We clearly need a new way. Even those alive are mentally terrorised. This isn’t it!
— JJ. Omojuwa (@Omojuwa) November 28, 2020
I blame arewa for tolerating this level of insecurity. By the time each and every household, in each and every state is engulfed in it, perhaps then we will wake up and defend ourselves against this barbaric attacks & kidnappings. Clearly, no end in sight. #ZabarmariMassacre
— Peacock (@dawisu) November 28, 2020
Boko Haram just beheaded 43 farmers, but protesters are the terrorists.
We are speaking up that our country is not safe!
But they said we should shut up… #ZabarmariMassacre
— Rinu #EndSARS🔥🔫 (@SavvyRinu) November 28, 2020
1,2,3,4,5,6,7,…43 citizens who work on a farm were beheaded this afternoon and no official statement 12 hours later. We have become used to these massacres, so we simply move on to the next news of another massacre that lies ahead. No one is held to account. #ZabarmariMassacre
— Ahmad Salkida (@A_Salkida) November 28, 2020
Are we not tired of these massacres?#ZabarmariMassacre
— Aisha Yesufu (@AishaYesufu) November 28, 2020
There was more outrage from the North over the dressing of a woman than over #ZabarmariMassacre and that is a major problem. WE HAVE TO FACE THIS ISSUE. If we do not address this issue it is only a matter of time before another senseless massacre happens.
WHERE IS BUHARI?
— Aisha Yesufu (@AishaYesufu) November 28, 2020
Since we are a country of God which believes in prayer, it is time to embark on a national prayer for a curse to befall anyone who conspires directly or indirectly to sustain insecurity in this country.#ZabarmariMassacre
— Bello Shagari (@Belshagy) November 28, 2020
If you think these killings only affect Northerners so it doesn't concern me, wait until the food crisis in the country is full blown. What we have now is just Onions and a few other items, that's why everyone thinks it's not their issue. 43 farmers beheaded! #ZabarmariMassacre
— Rufai (@Sir_Ruffy) November 28, 2020
Boko Haram sect beheaded 43 farmers in a village in Maiduguri and the residents have refused to bury the dead till the state governor comes to see the bloodbath. 43 innocent souls are gone just like that. Muhammadu Buhari, there is a day of reckoning. #ZabarmariMassacre
— Kulu 🌚 (@haauwah) November 28, 2020
Any northerner that tries to justify baba Buhari’s action because he’s from the north even after this #ZabarmariMassacre is heartless and wicked and should also remember those farmers that were beheaded were one of us too.
— ghøst_alamin 👻 (@alamin_ghost) November 28, 2020
I think there shouldn't be anything like repentant Boko Haram, they should be as dead as the innocent lives they have wasted. But the government will still give them a graduation ceremony after all these massacres.#ZabarmariMassacre#SecureNorth
— Local Dadeen 😎 (@dadeen__) November 28, 2020
#zabarmariMassacre is a clear indication that Nigerian Govt at all levels failed its masses. 43 innocent farmers were killed by Boko Haram. History and posterity will definitely judge Buhari's incompetency and ineptitude. My thoughts & prayers are with them and the bereaved FAM.
— Zannah. (@__usyy) November 28, 2020