Governor of Borno State, Babagana Umara Zulum on Monday met with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at Presidential Villa, Abuja on the security situation in the North-East, particularly his State, reaffirming his commitment to ensuring that no Local Government Area in Borno falls to Boko Haram or Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists.
Zulum’s meeting with the President came about one week after Marte town was under attack by terrorists, appealing to the Federal Government to deploy decisive strategies that would ensure that the town does not fall to Boko Haram/ISWAP insurgents.
Speaking after meeting President Tinubu, the Governor said that his plea to the Federal Government has started yielding some results.
According to him: “Honourably speaking, we made a plea to the federal government of Nigeria, and I believe within the last couple of days, the Nigerian armed forces have taken some certain decisions that will curtail the imminence of the insurgency.
“And I believe something shall be done. Most importantly, some plans are underway by the federal government, especially the establishment of forest guards.
“That will be a game-changer. Above all, as we have said it all, some of the Boko Haram and ISWA members are using some sophisticated weapons.
“I believe the federal government is also working on this direction. But by and large, the president has given me assurance that they will do everything to control the situation, and I believe the federal government will do something.
“On my own part, as the governor of Bonu State, I will not relent in my effort in strengthening the resilience of our community and getting our volunteers so that the efforts of the Nigerian Armed Forces shall be complemented. So far so good. This is what is happening.
“And a few days ago I made a call that no local government shall be allowed to be taken over by Boko Haram or ISWAP members.
“It will never happen now. So I’m calling the Nigerian Armed Forces, the civilian authorities, and all those that are concerned to rise up to the matter and defend our local government areas.
“I believe, inshallah, with the support of the Nigerian Army, with the support of the Armed Forces, we will not leave a single local government to fall into the hands of the insurgents.”
