- The Shehu of Borno says three LGAs are “no go areas” especially Abadam, Marte and Guzamala
Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, on Tuesday raised alarm over the recent upsurge in Boko Haram/Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) attacks on major military formations, saying the State is at risk of returning to the days of turmoil.
Governor Zulum, who spoke at the meeting of the expanded State Security Council Meeting held at the Council Chambers, Government House, Maiduguri, 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 combat helicopters and the newly procured drones to support ground operations in the affected locations, Zulum noted that the meeting was convened to hear the truth from major stakeholders that include traditional rulers and head of security agencies in the State.
The Governor, who is also the Chairman of Northeast Governors Forum, appealed to the federal government to ensure that the Northeastern part of the country received the required attention in terms of adequate security.
According to him: “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.
“It seems the focus of the Nigerian Army and Federal Ministry of Defence 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.”
Urging the Nigerian Army not to only mount checkpoints, guard towns and villages but to take the battle to the terrorists, Governor Zulum stated that “they should not grant breathing space to the Boko Haram to regroup, re-arm and carry out attacks on our territory.”
Noting that the resettlement plan of the State government is on top gear but could not be achieved without tight and efficient security, he assured that his administration would continue to work closely with the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) to execute developmental and peace building programs.
The Shehu of Borno, Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai Al Amin El-Kanemi, who also spoke at the meeting, lamented that some Local Government Areas were still under Boko Haram control.
“The three LGs are no go areas especially Abadam. It’s a no go area. People are afraid to go. So also Marte and Guzamala, a very big town bordering Cameroon,” he said
The Shehu of Borno noted that the peace in the State is being compromised by settlers who came in disguise as those acquiring Islamic education and other businesses, regretting that “our people were forced into exile to neighboring countries to avoid Boko Haram attacks.”
He also observed that most of the Local Government Areas that have been created since 1976 are without basic amenities like access roads, electricity and others.
He appealed to the federal government to reconstruct the trunk A roads: Biu-Damboa-Maiduguri, Maiduguri-Dikwa- Ngala, Maiduguri- Monguno-Kukawa and Biu-Damaturu federal highways that are seriously in deplorable state.
Stakeholders in attendance were the General Officer Commanding 7 Division of Nigerian Army, Major General Abubakar Haruna, Sector Commanders, Commissioner of Police, heads of other security agencies, the Shehu of Borno, Alh. Dr. Abubakar Garbai Al-Amin El-Kanemi, Shehu of Bama, Emirs of Biu, Uba, Askira, Gwoza.
