Governor of Borno State, Professor Babagana Zulum, says Boko Haram/Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists’ violence has resulted in the destruction of 956,453 private houses and 665 public buildings in the State.
Governor Zulum, in a statement by his Spokesperson, Isa Gusau, also said that a total of 5,335 classrooms and other school buildings were destroyed in 512 Primary Schools, 38 Secondary Schools and two tertiary institutions.
The destruction, Governor Zulum said, explained that it is these destructions and others that necessitated the Borno State’s developmental aggression, advising his fans and admirers not to cast aspersions about the achievements of other Governors as he is driven by realities of unquantifiable challenges.
According to the statement by the Governor’s Spokesperson, Gusau, “in Borno’s case, we have to be desperate in our recovery efforts because we have been faced with 12 years of war, resulting in thousands of deaths and displacement of 2 million people with humanitarian needs.
“From the World Bank’s Recovery and Peace-Building Assessment report on the Northeast, Borno lost 956,453 private houses, representing 30 per cent of total houses, to insurgent destructions.
“665 municipal buildings comprising ministries, LGA buildings, prisons, police stations and electric offices were destroyed in Borno.
“5,335 classrooms and other school buildings were destroyed in 512 primary schools, 38 secondary schools and two tertiary institutions.
“201 health centres, mostly primary healthcare clinics, dispensaries and some General Hospitals were all destroyed.”
The Governor further regretted the further destruction of 726 power sub-stations and distribution lines, 1,630 water sources including motorized and solar-powered boreholes, hand pumps and facilities for piped water schemes.
Appealing to his supporters to stop comparing him with other Governors, as it was unfair judging others due to peculiarities across States, added that he feels uncomfortable being negatively likened with colleagues, especially if the commentators belong to Social Media groups associated with Borno State.
He described the situation as unhealthy as administrations have priorities, depending on developmental plans and the people’s needs.
