MOGADISHU (KAAB TV) – Bulo Marer, a town rich in agriculture in Somalia’s Lower Shabelle region, was engulfed in anger and shock on Tuesday night following reports that Ugandan soldiers from the African Union Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) shot dead and then allegedly beheaded two local farmers on the outskirts of the town.
According to the district administration, five local farmers were heading to their farms in the evening when the Ugandan soldiers, who were on patrol, entered the area.
Two farmers managed to flee, but the soldiers shot and beheaded the remaining three.
“The farmers were in their farm when the soldiers raided. Three were killed and beheaded. This is unacceptable,” said Madey Jeylani, the deputy commissioner of Bulo Marer.
“We have previously received several complaints from local farmers against ATMIS. We call for ATMIS to urgently investigate this incident and hold the perpetrators accountable,” he added.
Abdiaziz Haji Mohamed, a local farmer whose nephew was among the victims, said the five men were having dinner on the farm when the soldiers raided.
“The five young men were on the farm. Two fled after seeing the lights; however, the soldiers arrested and killed the remaining three. One was injured,” Abdiaziz said.
The families of the victims have demanded justice.
On Wednesday morning, anger erupted in the small agricultural town, with residents carrying the dead bodies in a coffin taking to the streets to condemn the killings and demand an investigation.
There was no immediate response from ATMIS.