From Uthman Abubakar Maiduguri
Governor Balaga Zulum of Borno State has deposed all village and ward heads in Mallam-Fatori, headquarters of Abadam Local Government Area, of the state over their absence from their domains.
The domains are returning communities from the neighbouring Niger Republic with the gradual restoration of security, albeit amidst sporadic terror attacks in some parts of the state.
The names of the village and ward heads were not immediately disclosed.
Zulum announced the deposition when he visited the town, Monday, August 31, meeting the communities leaders’absence from their returning communities, where he, instantly, ordered that the process for appointing new village and ward heads to serve the returning population begin without delay.
This development comes amid renewed government efforts to rebuild Mallam-Fatori, a community heavily affected by years of insurgency and displacement.
The governor expressed concern over the absence of village and ward heads during his visit, describing it as unacceptable at a time when residents are returning and communities are beginning the difficult task of rebuilding their lives.
“Traditional leaders have a critical role to play in stabilising communities emerging from conflict. Their presence is essential not only for maintaining communication between government and residents but also for strengthening community resilience and providing leadership as returnees settle into their ancestral homes,” Zulum said.
The governor directed the Commissioner for Local Government and Emirate Affairs, Hon. Sugun Mai Mele, to work closely with His Royal Highness, the Shehu of Borno to commence the process of appointing new village and ward heads for Mallam-Fatori without delay.
Zulum emphasised that the new appointees must be persons of proven integrity, competence, commitment, and ingenuity capable of understanding the realities confronting residents and working with government and security agencies to restore stability and development.
He pledged the accelerated reconstruction of critical public infrastructure in Mallam-Fatori, headquarters of Abadam Local Government Area, as part of efforts to support residents returning to communities liberated from insurgency. ENDS
