By Ndahi Marama, Maiduguri

No fewer than nine farmers were reportedly slaughtered by suspected members of Boko Haram sect while planting crops around Molai village axis of Maiduguri, the Borno state capital.

Molai is about 10km drive from Maiduguri metropolis which has witnessed series of attacks and killing of farmers in their farmlands at the peak of the insurgency.

Sources and some residents told our Correspondent that the incident took place on Wednesday afternoon, after the victims violated security agency’s directive given to farmers not to cross over stipulated areas in the Sambisa forest, but the victims declined and crossed over looking for fertile and vast land which were neglected due to the insurgency.

“At least nine farmers were slaughtered by armed members of Boko Haram terrorists while planting crops on their farmlands on Wednesday around Molai axis.

The remains of some of the victims were buried according to Islamic rites behind former CBN quarters in Maiduguri on Thursday,” a source said.

All efforts to get confirmation from the Police Public Relations Officer, Sani Shatambaya proved abortive at press time