The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari, has condemned the killing of 15 farmers in Marte Local Government Area of Borno State by suspected terrorists.

Kyari, in a statement on Sunday, described the incident as a threat to Nigeria’s food security, noting that the victims were killed while working on their farms to earn a living and contribute to the nation’s food supply.

The minister expressed condolences to the families of the victims, the people of Marte and the Borno State Government, praying for the peaceful repose of those killed.

He said attacks on farmers were not only a threat to lives and livelihoods but also undermined the country’s efforts to increase food production and achieve food security.

Kyari reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment under President Bola Tinubu’s administration to creating a safe environment where farmers could cultivate their lands safely and productively.

He said protecting farmers and farming communities remained critical to sustaining agricultural production and strengthening the nation’s food supply.

The minister commended security agencies for their efforts to protect farming communities and urged them to intensify operations to apprehend those responsible for the killings.

He also called on the security agencies to locate three persons reportedly still missing following the attack.

Kyari stressed that protecting farmers was essential to protecting Nigeria’s food security, while praying for continued protection for farmers, rural communities and the country.