The "Zabarmari" Massacre in Borno State: One Killing, Too Many

Once again, the nation is united in grief as we mourn the macabre murder of many innocent Nigerians, by the Boko Haram insurgents. Though the victims lived in Zabarmari town, the attack, no doubt the most horrendous in recent times, was said to have taken place at Koshebe Village of Mafa Local Government Area, about twenty-five minutes’ drive from Maiduguri, the Borno State capital.

More than ever before, the world is aghast at the sheer bestiality visited on these hapless citizens and the psyche of Nigerians; prompting the United Nations to issue a very emotional riposte, to the incident.

The Government and people of Bauchi State deprecate, in the strongest terms, this blood-chilling barbarity, an affront to the Government and people of Nigeria and a challenge to our national resolve and capacity, to guarantee the safety of lives and property, of both Nigerian citizens and residents.

We feel the pains of the inhabitants of this breadbasket that has been turned into a killing field. It is indeed a painful irony, that the farmers were slaughtered while engaging in the legitimate effort not only to feed their families but to contribute to national development. This indeed is one massacre too many,

The spectacle of Governor Babagana Zulum at the funeral of the 43 recovered victims, as the awestricken people watched in anguish, is a constant reminder that eternal vigilance is the price we have to pay for our freedom.

Our hearts go out to the traumatised families of the victims and the Government and good people of Borno State. We also commiserate with the President and Commander-in-Chief who, despite all efforts so far, has had to carry the brunt of this senseless insurgency that has dislocated life in North East Nigeria with a Domino-like effect on the entire country.

As tempting as it is, we believe that this is not a time for blame game or name calling. Rather, the moment calls for sober reflection, for a closing of ranks by the political and military elite as well as other stakeholders, to work out a solution to this protracted destabilising insurgency.

 It is also with every sense of responsibility that we want to place on record our view that the security challenges plaguing the entire country, demand a complete overhaul of the prevailing national security architecture so that the gaps in intelligence gathering, human capacity and firepower, can be sufficiently ameliorated.

Once again, on behalf of the Government and people of Bauchi State, His Excellency, Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed condoles with His Excellency , President Muhammadu Buhari and  Governor Babagana Umara Zulum and the Government and people of Borno State, particularly the Zabarmari constituency who lost loved ones in this show of shame.

We pray for the peaceful repose of the souls of the victims of the “Zabarmari” massacre and entrust members of the bereaved families, to God’s protection and succour.