Northern Governors Forum on Sunday said it is appalled by the killing of rice farmers in Zabarmari, Borno State by Boko Haram insurgents.

In a statement, Chairman of the Forum and Governor of Plateau State Simon  Lalong signed by Simon Macham his director of press and public affairs said the entire country is deeply saddened over the killing of the innocent rice farmers who committed no crime, except to go to the farm to earn their living.

He said the tragic incident is a great setback to the efforts of Nigeria to attain domestic sufficiency in rice production as well as food security.

He said the Forum has consistently worked with the Federal Government, security agencies and local support groups to ensure that farmers are protected in order to enable them to carry out farming activities.

Lalong said despite this condemnable act, the Forum will not relent in its support to security agencies to deal decisively with the terrorists and other criminals.

The Governor commiserated with the families of the deceased farmers as well as the people and government of Borno State over the unfortunate incident.