Governor Zulum
The Borno State Government has raised concern about recent spikes in terrorist activities across some weak spots in the state as Gov. Babagana Umara Zulum urges for decisive military action to contain the threats.
A statement by the State Commissioner for Information and Internal Security, Prof. Usman Tar, said Investigation is ongoing on recent attacks in Chibok, Damboa, and Kukawa LGAs with a view to taking necessary steps to overcome the challenge.
“The Executive Governor of Borno State, Prof Babagana Umara Zulum, has received security briefs on multiple attacks by suspected Boko Haram terrorists in the Southern Borno Senatorial District, particularly in Damboa and Chibok, which resulted in the deaths of scores of citizens and destruction of homes and places of worship in Bamzir, Njilang, Shikarkir, and Yimirmugza village of Chibok.
“The reports indicated that the following wards were worst-affected: Shikarki, Whuntaku, Mbalala and Pemi. At least 74 persons were reported to have been displaced, two wounded and five people lost their lives while property worth millions of Naira were destroyed.
“In addition, five churches were destroyed, while some market stalls and business premises were also vandalised,” the commissioner added.
According to him , Gov Zulum had already reached out to the affected communities, directly and through their political representatives and community leaders, to offer his deep sympathy and condolences to the affected families, on behalf of the government.
While noting that the attacks on Chibok communities were reminiscent of the barbaric and unfortunate abduction of over 200 innocent school girls in 2014, Tar pointed out that over the years, government has invested heavily in rebuilding Chibok, particularly in securing the release of the bulk of the abducted girls, and restoring the dignity and honour of its people.
“It is unfortunate that, just as the people of Chibok are picking their pieces and rebuilding their lives, the heartless insurgents are attacking them at this time. However, Gov Zulum was glad to note that in spite of the attacks and displacement of some people, the majority of the people of Chibok have remained calm, resilient and firm: they have remained pitched firmly in their ancestral homes without fear or anxiety.”
He noted that the Borno State Security Council had in its latest regular meeting discussed the security situation in the state where security reports from military/security units and formations across the state were considered.
He said that the meeting noted that in spite of the firm grip on the security space by gallant forces, there are pockets of vulnerable enclaves that require enhanced beefing-up of tactical measures which troops were urged to identify and block.
“It was also noted that Boko Haram Insurgents have been significantly decimated in the state, but there are pockets of insurgent elements that are still ventilating and causing sporadic havoc in our communities.
“In addition, there is an in-fighting within the two factions of the insurgents. The remnants of the insurgents are driven by hunger and starvation to attack vulnerable communities and cart away vital supplies to enable them to survive.
“The Borno State Government wishes to note that the recent rise in insurgent attacks across the state appear to target newly resettled towns/villages, and economically-viable communities where agriculture and livelihood are fast-thriving. Chibok is thriving and the terrorists appear to be infuriated by this trend.
“Borno is fast recovering in spite of the pockets of security breaches. The central, southern and northern parts of the state are experiencing a boom in agriculture, both annual and perennial. It is possible that the insurgents are seeking to sabotage the resettlement and recovery plan of the Government.
“All over the world, terrorists tend to target the state’s centre of gravity, and its economic backbone with a view to crippling the state. Borno is a rural, agrarian State where growth and prosperity are intricately tied to agriculture, fishing and animal husbandry,” Tar said.
He reiterated the Zulum administration commitment not to allow anyone to derail its plan on mass resettlement of displaced persons as enshrined in its policy on durable solutions to internal displacement (2024) and the 25 Year Development Plan (2020).
“Gov Zulum called on the people of Chibok not to be intimidated by the insurgents and assured them that Government and security agencies will work assiduously to forestall any future attack, by improving on military tactics from defensive to offensive posture.
“He encouraged all citizens to remain resolute and resilient as the insurgents fear a people that stand up against them,” Tar added.
Meanwhile, a cross section of the public, particularly those in affected communities have tasked government and the military for intensified and sustained clampdown on the terrorists whose enclaves are known to the authorities.
They noted that giving the terrorists breathing space to continue to mobilise and attack is embarrassing and demoralizing to troops, citizens and the nation at large.
