Kismayo (Sunatimes) Al-shabab militants in the Lower Juba region have announced that they have taken over private farms and water pumps for irrigation.

The insurgents took away six farms and four water pumping machines. The insurgents did not give any reason for taking away the farms.

Muse Abdi, one of the farmers whose farms were taken away by the insurgents confirmed to radio Bar-kulan that militias allied to the militants chased them away from their farms and took over with out any reason.

Muse said he feels sympathy for himself and others whose property was forcefully taken.

Al-shabab militants who control the whole of the Lower Juba region have been extorting money and farm products from farmers in the past few months.

By Abdifitah Ibrahim