Borno Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has expressed serious concern over the renewed Boko Haram attacks in some communities in the state, vowing that the recent development portends that Borno is losing the war against insurgency.
Speaking at a special enlarged security meeting in Maiduguri on Tuesday, the governor lamented the frequent attacks, forcing of military bases, and kidnappings that occur nearly every day without resistance in parts of the state. He added that Wajirko, Sabon Gari (Damboa), Wulgo (Gamboru Ngala), and Izge (Gwoza) have witnessed fresh violence that has resulted in the deaths of civilians and security agents.
Zulum, who summoned senior military commanders, security chiefs, and traditional leaders like the Shehu of Borno and Emirs from affected communities, said although there had been strides in the last two years, the recent turn of events was now a major set-back to the fragile peace in Borno State and the entire North-East.
The governor was grateful for support from the federal government and security forces but was eager to emphasize the imperative for immediate procurement of higher technological warfare capabilities and logistics for the army, particularly for the vulnerable frontier areas of Borno with Chad, Niger, and Cameroon.
Also on record, Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai El-Kanemi, said some local government councils Guzamala, Marte, Abadam, and parts of Mobbar are still under the control of terrorists, with no functional civil authority. He called for the immediate reconstruction of key federal roads in the region to enable mobility and security operations.
Zulum reaffirmed his administration’s determination to support security agencies but demanded an urgent federal intervention to prevent a reversal of the hard-won achievements against terrorism.
