Gov Zulum Raises Alarm Over Boko Haram Attacks, Says ‘We’re Losing Ground’ Again

Despite reported gains being made by the Nigerian Military in the war against terrorism and banditry, Governor of Borno State, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, says recent Boko Haram attacks on major military formations are great cause for concern.

According to the governor, Borno state is at risk of returning to turmoil due to the criminal activities of the terrorist group and urgent measures must be taken to check this worrying trend.

Governor Zulum, who chaired an expanded Security Council Meeting held at the council chambers, Government House, Maiduguri on Tuesday, said; “Many military locations were dislodged, especially in Wulgo, Sabongari, Wajirko among others.

“It seems we are losing ground and this is a very important thing that we need to discuss.

“Peace has gradually returned to Borno within the last 3 years, but we are witnessing sporadic attacks in recent times”.

Calling for the deployment of fighter helicopters, and the newly procured drones to support military operations in the affected locations, Governor Zulum said the meeting was convened to hear the truth from the major stakeholders that include traditional rulers and head of security agencies in the state.

He said; “While we commended 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”.

Prof Zulum, who presides over the Chairman, Northeast Governors Forum as its Chairman, urged the Federal Government to ensure the northeastern part of the country received the required attention.

Hear him; “It seems the focus of the Nigerian Army and Federal Ministry of defense is not in the northeastern states of Nigeria. Considering the strategic location of the northeastern states of Nigeria, we deserve to receive the desired attention.

“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 borders. 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 tasked the Nigerian Army not to only mount checkpoints, guard towns and villages but take the battle to the insurgents, adding; “They should not grant breathing space to the Boko Haram to regroup, re-armed and carry out attacks on our territory”.

On the State government’s resettlement plan, the Governor said though efforts have been made to a greater extend, success would be difficult without tight and efficient security across the State.

However, he assured all stakeholders that the State government would continue to work closely with the armed forces to execute developmental and peace building programmes

On his part, the Shehu of Borno, Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai Al Amin El-Kanemi, lamented that some local government areas were still under Boko Haram control despite the great efforts by the Military.

The Royal Father disclosed that; “Three Local Government Areas are no go areas, especially Abadam. It’s a no go area, people are afraid to go there. So also Marte and Guzamala, a very big town bordering Cameroon.”

Warning that peace in the state is being compromised by settlers who came in disguise as those acquiring Islamic education and other businesses, the Shehu said; “Our people were forced into exile to neighboring countries to avoid Boko Haram attacks”.

Furthermore, he lamented that most of the local government areas created since 1976 are without basic amenities like access roads, electricity and water among  others.

Specifically, the respected traditional ruler pleaded with the Federal Government to reconstruct the following trunk A roads within Boron State.

These are Biu-Damboa-Maiduguri, Maiduguri-Dikwa-Ngala, Maiduguri-Monguno-Kukawa and Biu-Damaturu, all federal roads that are seriously in deplorable state at present.

Among stakeholders who attended the meeting were the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 7 Div, Major General Abubakar Haruna, Sector Commanders, Commissioner of Police, and Heads of other security agencies.

Others include Shehu of Borno, Alh. Dr. Abubakar Garbai Al-Amin El-Kanemi; Shehu of Bama, Emirs of Biu, Uba, Askira, and Gwoza.

However, Shehu of Dikwa and Emir of Shani were conspicuously missing at the meeting.