Islamic extremists kill 8 farmers and abduct 10 in latest attack in northeastern Nigeria

By HARUNA UMAR
Associated Press

MAIDUGURI, Nigeria (AP) — Nigerian authorities say Islamic extremists have killed eight farmers and abducted 10 in an attack in the country’s hard-hit northeast. The region is a key part of Nigeria’s breadbasket and the attacks have threatened food supplies. Officials say the extremists ambushed the farmers in Borno state’s Mafa district and slit their throats on Thursday. The governor of Borno said on Friday that the attack was an attempt to “sabotage the successes of the government” as it struggles to have those displaced from Borno relocated elsewhere and rebuild their lives. Local villagers are mourning the slain farmers while also decrying inadequate security measures in remote and volatile areas.