By Usman Abubakar, in MaiduguriGovernor Babagana Umara Zulum of Borno State and the Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai Al-Kanemi, have expressed grave concern over the recalcitrance of Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists in the state, despite mounting efforts to end it.
They spoke, Tuesday, April 8, during an expanded State Security Council meeting in Maiduguri.
Gov Zulum expressed serious concern over the persistence of sporadic terrorists operations, especially their recent attacks on major military formations across the state, saying the state is at risk of returning to turmoil.
The Shehu, however, expressed deep grief that three of the state’s 27 LGAs – Guzamala, Abadam and Marte, have still not been liberated from the terrorists grips.
“Many military locations were dislodged, especially in Wulgo, Sabongari, Wajirko among others,” Zulum said at the opening session of the meeting, fearing, “It seems we are losing ground and this is a very important thing that we need to discuss.”
He profoundly complain: “Peace has gradually returned to Borno within the last 3 years, but we are witnessing sporadic attacks in recent times.”
The governor called on the military to deploy fighter helicopters, and the newly procured drones to support troops operations in the affected locations.
“While we commend the Nigerian military, Police, DSS as well as paramilitary in maintaining law and order in the state, we also have to say the truth, otherwise, all the gains we have made so far will be a mirage,” he said
The governor, who is also the Chairman, Northeast Governors Forum, appealed to the federal government to ensure that the North-East subregion received the required attention.
“It seems the focus of the Nigerian Army and federal ministry of defense is not in the northeastern states of Nigeria,” he complained, pleading, “Considering the strategic location of the North-Eastern states of Nigeria, we deserve to receive the desired attention.”
Zulum cried out: “The Sahel region is very important, Borno location is also very important in the fight against insurgency, Borno State is bordering the republic of Chad, Niger and Cameroon.
“A lot of foreigners, foreign insurgents are coming into Borno State through these border’s , if nothing is done, the state will return into turmoil again. I believe the President of the federal Republic of Nigeria will not accept that.
“If as much as possible we can work together with the Nigerian army, it’s the right time to save the situation.”
He urged the Nigerian army not to only mount checkpoints, guard towns and villages but take the battle to the insurgents.
“They should not grant breathing space to the Boko Haram to regroup, re-armed and carry out attacks on our territory” he added.
The governor said the resettlement plan of the state government is on top gear but could not be achieved without tight and efficient security.
He assured that the state government would continue to work closely with the armed forces to execute developmental and peace building programs.
The Shehu of Borno, on his part,
decried: “The three LGs are no go areas especially Abadam, it’s a no go area, people are afraid to go. so also Marte and Guzamala, a very big town bordering Cameroon.”
The Borno monarch noted that the peace in the state is being compromised by settlers who came in disguise as those acquiring Islamic education and other businesses.
“Our people were forced into exile to neighboring countries to avoid Boko Haram attacks” he said.
The Shehu also observed that most of the local government areas that have been created since 1976 are without basic amenities like access roads, electricity and others.
He appealed to the federal government to reconstruct the trunk A roads: Biu-Damboa-Maiduguri, Maiduguri- Dikwa- Ngala, Maiduguri- Monguno-Kukawa and Biu -Damaturu federal that are seriously in deplorable state.
Stakeholders at attendance include the General Officer Commanding 7 Div, Major General Abubakar Haruna, Sector Commanders, Commissioner of Police, heads of other security agencies, Shehu of Borno, Alh. Dr. Abubakar Garbai Al-Amin El-Kanemi, Shehu of Bama, Emirs of Biu, Uba, Askira, Gwoza, while Shehu of Dikwa- and Emir of Shani were in absentia. END
