Killings of rice farmers a manifestation of failed government – SPN fires at Buhari

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi with agency report

The Socialist Party of Nigeria (SPN) has described the alleged brutal killings of farmers by Boko Haram terrorists as a manifestation of a failed government.
Recall that some rice farmers while working on rice farms in Koshobe, Borno State were killed by some Boko Haram members.
But, SPN while reacting, described the alleged killings as an indication that the President Muhammadu Buhari-led APC Federal Government has failed in tackling insecurity in Nigeria.
SPN in a statement made available to journalists on Monday said that the killing was another reminder that Buhari has failed Nigerians.
The party made the declaration in a statement signed by its Acting National Chairperson, Comrade Abiodun Bamigboye and the National Secretary, Comrade Chinedu Bosah.
The duo, on behalf of SPN, commensurate with the families of the farmers brutally killed as well as many others injured or missing following the deadly attack
“The killing of the rice farmers was another shocking reminder that aside from its failures in fighting corruption and ending poverty, the President Muhammadu Buhari government has equally failed in the fight against insurgency and insecurity”, it said.
SPN, while speaking further, maintained that the killings show that almost all parts of Nigeria, not just the North East, is a killing field.
“A few years ago, the government had declared Boko Haram “technically defeated. This horrific massacre just like numerous others has put a lie to this declaration. Even the Governor of Borno State who ought to be the most secured citizen in the State has had his convoy brutally attacked at least on two occasions by the terrorist group with many of his men in the entourage killed or maimed.
“In this situation where the government has completely lost the capacity to protect lives, the people themselves, especially working people, farmers and youth, have to take their destinies in their hands.
“There is the need for the setting up of independent, democratic and non-sectarian communal defence committees to protect villages, farms and communities from attacks by Boko Haram, bandits and extortion and repression by soldiers.
“Many have called for the sack or replacement of the Service Chiefs as a solution. While we support the call, for us in the SPN, even if this is done, no serious progress would still be recorded in the fight against insurgency. This is because the problem goes beyond the Service Chiefs.