From Uthman Abubakar Maiduguri
No fewer than 100 persons were slaughtered by Boko Haram terrorists at Ngoshe community, Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State last Tuesday.
The Ngoshe tragedy is part of a fresh resurgence of terror attack that has swept across no fewer than eight communities across the three senatorial districts of the state over the last one week, which also resulted in the abduction of hundreds of persons.
Apart from Ngoshe, the attacked communities include Gajiram, Damasak, Konduga, Dalori and communities in Sbisa forest.
Addressing members of the Ngoshe community on Friday at Pulka, where the survivors fled for refuge, Governor Babagana Zulum commiserated with them, assuring that efforts were underway to rescue all those abducted, restore security, and provide humanitarian support to victims.
“The situation is very sad and our hearts go out to all those affected by this tragedy,” Zulum said.
“I want to assure you that we will do everything possible to address the unfortunate situation that has befallen this community, and for those who have been abducted, the Nigerian military will do everything within its capacity to rescue them,” the governor assured.
Governor Zulum explained that military operations are currently ongoing in Ngoshe and the Sambisa Forest to rid the area of criminal elements.
“There are ongoing military operations within the Sambisa Game Reserve. What we witnessed yesterday was largely a result of insurgents being pushed out from their strongholds, which led them to launch coordinated attacks on nearby communities,” he explained.
He called on the Nigerian Army to intensify operations to clear insurgents from the Mandara Hills which he described as a major security threat.
“The Mandara Hills remain a major security concern. The insurgents descended from the hills to attack this town. Therefore, I call on the Nigerian Army and the Federal Government to intensify efforts to clear Mandara Hills of insurgents,” Zulum expressed grief.
The governor noted that the exact number of casualties is yet to be confirmed as assessments are still ongoing, but acknowledged that several lives were lost while others were abducted.
As part of immediate humanitarian intervention, the governor said the state government had begun distributing relief materials and establishing cooking points to provide food for displaced residents.
“For now, we will distribute food items to those affected and I have directed that cooking points be established so that everyone in this community can receive meals from a central kitchen,” he said.
The governor appealed to residents to remain calm and law-abiding, noting that Borno State government will double its efforts to end this madness. “We shall not relent in our commitment to restoring lasting peace and stability in the state,” he said.
“I strongly believe that with sustained military operations and cooperation between all levels of government, we will overcome this challenge. Insha Allah, peace will return fully to our land,” the governor added.
Similarly, Governor Babagana Zulum inspected houses burned during an attack by Boko Haram insurgents on Thursday in Konduga town.
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