…Vows the community will not fall again
Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, on Sunday, described the level of destruction by terrorists in Ngoshe which is about 30 kilometres from Gwoza, as devastating, shocking and heartbreaking.
Governor Zulum, who stated this shortly after an on-the-spot assessment of the destruction and level of damage in Ngoshe, said that it is saddening to see the kind of devastation, adding that he has not witnessed such destruction in recent times.
Zulum, who was in Ngoshe as part of his two-day confidence and resilience-building tour to victims of recent Boko Haram attacks in Ngoshe and Pulka, disbursed cash and relief items to over 30,000 people affected by the attacks.
Speaking with journalists shortly after inspecting the affected community, Governor Zulum said that the level of destruction was “sheer madness”, but assured that the State government shall build back better.
The Governor also assured residents of Ngoshe in Gwoza Local Government Area that his administration will rebuild homes and public infrastructure destroyed by the dreaded Boko Haram terrorists in the recent attacks.
Zulum also said that the government will intensify security efforts to restore lasting peace in the area, and directed officials of the Ministry of Reconstruction, Rehabilitation and Resettlement to immediately assess the extent of the damage with a view to rehabilitating all burnt structures.
He said; “I am here with representatives of the Ministry for Reconstruction, Rehabilitation and Resettlement, and I have directed them to assess the level of damage so that all the burnt infrastructure can be rehabilitated”.
Governor Zulum said that the President Bola Tinubu-led Federal Government recently released funds to the Multinational Joint Task Force to boost military operations in the region.
The Governor said; “I am pleased to announce the support and funding recently released by the Federal Government of Nigeria, under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to the Multinational Joint Task Force for military operations in this general area”.
Zulum noted that the Mandara Hills remain a major stronghold for insurgents, stressing that the only effective response is to take the battle directly to them.
While commending the military authorities, particularly the General Officer Commanding 7 Division and the Brigade Commander, for their renewed effort in Ngoshe, Governor Zulum noted that security presence in the area has been significantly reinforced.
According to him; “The military has taken over Ngoshe again. They have increased the number of personnel in Ngoshe by 100 per cent, and I believe with what they have done so far, we will keep Ngoshe secure”.
Zulum assured that Ngoshe will not fall again and reaffirmed the commitment of both the Federal and Borno State Governments to decisively address the lingering security challenges in the state.
He specifically assured residents of Ngoshe that the town will not be allowed to fall back into the control of insurgents again.
While addressing troops of 82 Division Task Force Battalion, in Ngoshe, Zulum said efforts are ongoing to strengthen the military’s capacity.
He said; “I want to assure you that the Federal Government and indeed the Government of Borno State, in partnership with the Armed Forces, will do everything possible to contain the lingering security situation”.
Zulum emphasized the strategic importance of Ngoshe, warning that its fall could have wider security implications for surrounding communities.
“Ngoshe is very important. The fall of Ngoshe would send a very bad signal to Pulka, Kirawa, Gwoza, and even Bama. We shall not allow this town to be taken over again by insurgents,” he stated.
Zulum was accompanied on the visit by Senator Ali Ndume, member House of Assembly representing Gwoza, Hon. Abdullahi Buba Abatcha, the Commissioner for Transport and Energy, Mohammed Lawan Buba, and Commissioner for Local Government and Emirate Affairs, among other officials.
