Northern Borno residents insist ISWAP nicer than Boko Haram, pay zakat, taxes for freedom

 ISWAP is worming itself into the hearts and minds of locals in Damboa, Borno, by letting the farmers among them go about their farming, with just a string attached.

Farmers and other residents must pay taxes and zakat.

And the terms are okay by the farmers.

“In the past, many Boko Haram fighters have killed many farmers during harvest time like this.  But have you heard of such this year?”  a farmer told the Daily Trust.

“Early last month they came and told me while I was at the farm that when it is time to harvest, they have their portions which I agreed and fulfil the promised,” he said.

It was not like that when Boko Haram under Shekau occupied the areas. The home-grown terrorists would kill farmers during harvests, and prevented them from planting when it was sowing time.

“So when ISWAP somehow took over, they said people can go to their farms but must pay tax and also pay zakat,” another source said.

Zakat is a religious obligation every faithful must pay in Islam.

The foreign terrorists are trying to replicate such regime in the southern part of Borno.

The military has been bombarding their position, killing key commanders, and triggering reprisals.