JUST IN: ISWAP kills 11 farmers in Niger

At least 11 farmers – nine from Niger and two Nigerians – have been executed by insurgents of the Islamic State of the West African Province (ISWAP) in Diffa, Niger Republic.

POLITICS NIGERIA reports that Diffa region is close to the Lake Chad basin, a strategic area where the borders of four countries converge – Cameroon, Chad, Niger and Nigeria.

The incident occurred on Tuesday around 6 p.m. when thirteen farmers were intercepted by the ISWAP terrorists while they were going to cut down trees. 11 of the farmers were shot dead, with two others lucky to escape.

ISWAP had before the deadly attack reportedly issued a warning to all local farmers and fishermen to vacate some of the islands in Marte, Abadam and some parts of Niger, accusing them of leaking information to security agents about their hideouts.

The slain farmers have been buried as many of them are Muslims.