Fresh concerns over insecurity have emerged in Borno State following the abduction of two farmers by suspected Boko Haram insurgents in Mussa community, Askira-Uba Local Government Area, further heightening anxiety among residents already traumatized by previous kidnappings in the area.
The latest incident occurred on Thursday afternoon when armed men reportedly stormed farmlands on the outskirts of the community and abducted two farmers who were engaged in routine agricultural activities. The victims, identified as a man and a woman, were said to have been planting groundnuts when they were seized and taken to an unknown destination.
The attack has reignited fears across Mussa and neighboring communities, many of which are still grappling with the aftermath of the mass abduction of schoolchildren from the area. Residents say the fresh kidnapping underscores the persistent security challenges facing rural communities in parts of Borno State despite ongoing military operations against insurgent groups.
Confirming the incident, the councillor representing Mussa Ward, Peter Haruna Waba, described the abduction as another painful setback for a community already burdened by insecurity and uncertainty.
According to him, the attack took place at about 1:30 p.m. while the victims were working on their farms. Other farmers nearby reportedly witnessed the incident but were unable to intervene due to the armed nature of the attackers.
“This is another tragedy for our people. The victims were simply trying to earn a living when they were abducted. The community remains deeply concerned about their safety and swift release,” he said.
Waba disclosed that the abductors had already established contact with community representatives and demanded a ransom of N7 million for the release of the two farmers. The demand has placed additional pressure on residents who are largely dependent on subsistence farming and are already struggling with economic hardship.
He lamented that unlike the earlier kidnapping of schoolchildren, where no communication was reportedly received from the abductors, the latest kidnappers were seeking financial gain through ransom payments.
“It is difficult to imagine how ordinary farmers who struggle daily to support their families can raise such an amount. The demand is far beyond the means of most households in this community,” he added.
A resident who requested anonymity said six armed men carried out the operation. According to eyewitness accounts, the attackers arrived suddenly at the farmland, overpowered the victims, and forced them into nearby bush paths before escaping.
The source said local security personnel were immediately informed of the incident and have reportedly begun efforts to track the abductors and rescue the victims.
The attack has intensified fears among farmers across the area, many of whom now face a difficult choice between risking their lives to cultivate their farms or abandoning agricultural activities altogether. Several residents said insecurity has become one of the greatest threats to food production in the region.
With the rainy season underway and planting activities at their peak, community members worry that continued attacks on farmers could significantly reduce agricultural output, worsen food shortages, and deepen poverty among rural households.
Agriculture remains the primary source of livelihood for many communities in Askira-Uba and other parts of southern Borno. However, repeated attacks, kidnappings, and insurgent activities have disrupted farming operations and forced some residents to flee their lands.
Security analysts note that while Boko Haram and other armed groups have lost significant territory in recent years, they continue to carry out sporadic attacks, kidnappings, and ambushes in remote communities. Such incidents are often aimed at generating revenue through ransom payments, instilling fear among civilians, and undermining confidence in security efforts.
The latest abduction comes against the backdrop of lingering concern over the fate of schoolchildren reportedly kidnapped from the same community in an earlier attack. Families of the affected pupils continue to await information regarding their whereabouts, adding to the emotional strain facing residents.
Community leaders are therefore calling on security agencies to intensify surveillance, strengthen rural security patrols, and deploy additional personnel to vulnerable farming communities. They argue that protecting farmers is essential not only for safeguarding lives but also for ensuring food security and economic stability in the region.
As security forces continue efforts to locate the abducted farmers, residents remain hopeful for their safe return while urging authorities to take decisive action against the persistent threats posed by insurgent groups operating in rural parts of Borno State.
