…approves 10 patrol vehicles for security surveillance
Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State has appealed to the Federal Government to deploy decisive strategies that will ensure that Marte town and other Borno communities do not fall under the control of the Boko Haram and ISWAP insurgents.
Governor Zulum, who was actively involved in coordinating security logistics till late in the night at the weekend, undertook a tour to assess the challenges faced in Marte town, while also exploring sustainable solutions to foster stability.
Before Governor Zulum’s arrival, Marte was completely deserted following a Boko Haram attack last Friday, with thousands taking refuge in Dikwa town.
Speaking to journalists, the governor emphasised that his visit to Marte was to foster community cooperation, resilience and continuous support to the security agencies, stating that “Marte was resettled about four years ago, but unfortunately, over the last three days, it was ransacked and was displaced again.”
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“About 20,000 people left Marte for Dikwa; this huge number is a threat, as allowing them to stay in the camp may make most of the younger ones become vulnerable to recruitment by the insurgents.
“Alhamdulillah, we returned to Marte yesterday and spent the night with the support of the Nigerian Army and our volunteers. The community is now resettled for the second time. Still, my prayers to the federal government of Nigeria and the Nigerian Army are that we do everything possible to keep this town on the ground.
“Hitherto, Marte Local Government comprises over 300 towns and villages, now we have only one standing, if we cannot maintain this one, then we will lose the whole Local Government to the insurgents, which will be very obnoxious, and I think we will not allow this to happen. Therefore, I am calling on the federal government and the Nigerian Army so that we can put our heads together and hold our ground for this single town in this LGA to remain.”
The governor reiterated his commitment to supporting security agencies in attaining lasting peace in Borno State, saying, “On my part as the Governor of Borno State, I would do everything within my power to support our gallant military in their efforts towards lasting peace in our beloved State.”
Governor Zulum, on Monday, observed a prayer and fasting day aimed at fostering unity, spiritual resilience and hope among the people amid the ongoing security challenges.
Arriving at Rann, Headquarters of Kala Balge Local Government Council before sunset on Sunday, Governor Zulum spent the night coordinating support for security agencies and volunteer forces.
Kala-Balge is one of the Communities in Borno State that faces persistent security challenges from Boko Haram/ISWAP insurgents that have disrupted daily life and threatened peace.
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According to Governor Zulum, the visit was part of his commitment to fostering unity, spiritual resilience and hope among the people amid the ongoing security challenges.
He expressed appreciation to the people of Borno and those outside the State for heeding his call to observe fasting and prayers for the restoration of peace in Borno.
He said, “Let me express my appreciation to thousands of people in Borno who have observed today’s fasting and praying for peace to reign in our state. People from other states and even beyond Nigeria joined in seeking divine intervention for the security challenges we are facing. We thank everyone for the solidarity.”
Meanwhile, Governor Zulum has approved 10 patrol vehicles to support the Military and youth volunteers in combating the criminal activities of Boko Haram/ISWAP insurgents.
Governor Zulum, who announced the approval on Monday while addressing both groups separately, noted that while the volunteers comprising CJTF, hunters, and vigilantes would receive 6 Takoma/Toyota Hilux, an additional 4 gun trucks would be donated to the Military.
The governor rounded up the visit in Kala-Balge by distributing food items to over 10,000 families, mostly women and their vulnerable family members.
