…Approves 10 patrol vehicles, other logistics to military volunteers
AHMED MARI, Maiduguri
Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno state on Saturday spent the night in Marte, after the Boko Haram attack on the military base in the town to build confidence, cooperation and resilience of the people.
Governor Zulum also called on the Federal Government to deploy decisive strategies that would ensure that Marte town does not fall to Boko Haram/ISWAP insurgents.
Zulum, who was actively involved in coordinating security logistics till late in the night on Saturday, undertook a tour to assess the challenges faced in Marte, while also exploring sustainable solutions to foster stability.
Marte was completely deserted following a Boko Haram attack last Friday, with thousands taking refuge in Dikwa town.
Speaking to journalists in an interview, Governor Zulum emphasised that his visit to Marte was to foster community cooperation, resilience and continuous support to the security agencies, stating, “Marte was resettled about 4 years ago, but unfortunately, over the last three days, it was ransacked and was displaced again.”
He said “About 20,000 people left Marte for Dikwa; this huge number is a threat as allowing them to stay in the camp may make most of the younger ones become vulnerable to recruitment by the insurgents.”
“Alhamdulillah, we returned to Marte yesterday and spent the night with the support of the Nigerian Army and our volunteers. The community is now resettled for the second time. Still, my prayers to the Federal government of Nigeria and the Nigerian Army are that we do everything possible to keep this town on the ground”, Zulum said.
“Hitherto, Marte Local Government comprises over 300 towns and villages, now we have only one standing, if we cannot maintain this one, then we will lose the whole Local Government to the insurgents, which will be very obnoxious, and I think we will not allow this to happen.
Therefore, I am calling on the federal government and the Nigerian Army so that we can put heads together and hold our ground for this single town in this LGA to remain.,” he said.
The governor reiterated his commitment to supporting security agencies in attaining lasting peace in Borno State, stating “on my part as the Governor of Borno State, I would do everything within my power to support our gallant military in their efforts towards lasting peace in our beloved state.”
Terrorist attack, Zulum spends the night in Kala Balge,
, as aproves 10 patrol vehicles, other logistics to the military, volunteers
Governor Babagana Zulum also passed the night in Rann, the headquarters of Kala Balge local government area and on Monday, observed a prayer and fasting day aimed at fostering unity, spiritual resilience and hope among the people amidst the ongoing security challenges.
Governor Zulum arrived at Rann, on Sunday spent the night coordinating support for security agencies and volunteer forces.
Kala-Balge is one of the communities in Borno State that has faced persistent security challenges from Boko Haram/ISWAP insurgents that have disrupted daily life and threatened peace
Zulum said, the visit was part of his commitment to fostering unity, spiritual resilience and hope among the people amidst the ongoing security challenges.
The Governor said “In light of our current security challenges, I am calling on all residents of Borno State to unite in a collective act of faith and solidarity.
This Monday, I am inviting you to join me in a voluntary day of fasting and prayer for peace to reign in Borno State, Northeast Nigeria, and indeed the entire country.”
He expressed appreciation to the people of Borno and those outside the state for heeding his call to observe fasting and prayers for the restoration of peace in Borno.
“let me express my appreciation to thousands of people in Borno that have observed today’s fasting and praying for peace to reign in our state. People from other states and even beyond Nigeria joined in seeking divine intervention for the security challenges we are facing. We thank everyone for the solidarity.”, he added.
While in Rann, Zulum approved 10 patrol vehicles to support the military and youth volunteers in combating the criminal activities of Boko Haram/ISWAP insurgents.
Zulum, who announced the approval on Monday while addressing both groups separately, noted that while the volunteers comprising CJTF, hunters and vigilantes would receive 6 Takoma/Toyota Hilux, an additional 4 gun-trucks would be donated to the military.
The Governor rounded up the visit in Kala-Balge by distributing food items to over 10,000 families, mostly women and their vulnerable family members.
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