Zulum cries out, Boko Haram resurgence overrunning North East while Tinubu luxuriates in Paris
By Jeph Ajobaju, Chief Copy Editor
Boko Haram jihadists are on a resurgence and overrunning Borno and other parts of the North East, Borna Governor Babagana Zulum has cried out.
He lamented attacks on communities, daily killings, dislodgement of military formations and abductions by the terrorists – amid claims by Defence Headquarters that the Islamist jihadists are being decimated.
Zulum said the terrorists operate without confrontation or resistance which shows they are gaining more ground.
The criminals have attacked four military formations in Borno and dislodged troops, killing many civilians and security agents.
Zulum, who was speaking at the Special Expanded Security Meeting (SESM) in Maiduguri, commended the federal government and the security agencies for their efforts in the battle against insurgency but said more equipment and technology should be deployed to stem the renewed attacks.
His words: “It is unfortunate that the renewed Boko Haram attacks and kidnappings in many communities almost on a daily basis without confrontation signal that Borno State is losing ground.
“My administration has been very supportive to the military and other security agencies in the fight against Boko Haram and other terrorists, leading to relative peace in the last three years.
“However, it is disheartening to note the recent attacks and dislodgement of military formations in Wajirko, Sabon Gari in Damboa, Wulgo in Gamboru Ngala, Izge in Gwoza local government areas, among other related killings of innocent civilians and security agents, call for serious concern.
“It is a setback in the fragile state of Borno and the North East region.
“In as much as Borno government under my leadership commend the federal government under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the security agencies for their unwavering support in the fight against Boko Haram, more efforts have to be put in place through equipping and deploying of technological warfare to the military to stem the tide of all renewed attacks bedevilling parts of the Sahelian Borno, which shares international borders with Chad, Niger and Cameroon.
“We cannot allow these criminals to undermine our security further. We will ensure that the relevant authorities work together to put an end to these activities.
Zulum expressed concern over the proliferation of unregulated event centres across Borno.
“These illegal structures are contributing to crime and social vices in the state, and we must act to ensure that all venues comply with safety and planning standards.
“Some of these criminals are not even from Nigeria, and we are working with immigration authorities to ensure that those who do not belong here are deported.”
The Shehu of Borno and Borno Council of Chiefs Chairman, Abubakar El-Kanemi, commended the security agencies but stressed that about three local government areas – Guzamala, Marte, Abbadam, and parts of Mobbar –are still under the total control of Boko Haram.
Most of the communities are without civil authority, he said.
El-Kanemi urged Abuja to reconstruct dilapidated federal roads along Biu-Damboa-Maiduguri, Maiduguri-Dikwa-Ngala, Maiduguri-Monguno-Kukawa and Biu-Damaturu.
The meeting was also attended by the General Officer Commanding 7 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Abubakar Haruna, sector commanders, the Commissioner of Police, other heads of security agencies, and other traditional rulers.
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