Mohamed Garba
Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Zulum, has called for calm and resilience in the face of recent terrorist attacks in Chibok. The governor assured residents that the government is working tirelessly with security agencies to prevent future attacks and improve military tactics from defensive to offensive.
Zulum encouraged citizens to stand firm against the insurgents, emphasizing that the terrorists fear a united and courageous community. The governor’s plea comes amid a surge in terrorist activities in vulnerable areas of the state, prompting a thorough investigation into the recent attacks.
Governor Babagana Zulum, in a statement signed by the Commissioner for Information and Internal Security, Prof. Usman Tar, said, “Governor Zulum called on the people of Chibok not to be intimidated by the insurgents and assured them that Government and security agencies will work assiduously to forestall any future attack, by improving on military tactics from defensive to offensive posture. He encouraged all citizens to remain resolute and resilient as the insurgents fear a people that stand up against them.
The Borno State Government notes with grave concern recent spikes in terrorist activities across some weak spots in the state. Investigation has been ongoing on recent attacks in Chibok, Damboa, and Kukawa LGAs with a view to taking necessary steps to overcome the challenge,” the statement said.
The statement further said, “The Executive Governor of Borno State, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, has received security briefs on multiple attacks by suspected Boko Haram terrorists in the Southern Borno Senatorial District, particularly in Damboa and Chibok, which resulted in the deaths of scores of citizens and destruction of homes and places of worship in Bamzir, Njilang, Shikarkir, and Yimirmugza village of Chibok.
The reports indicated that the following wards were worst-affected: Shikarki, Whuntaku, Mbalala and Pemi. At least 74 persons were reported to have been displaced, two wounded and five people lost their lives while property worth millions of Naira were destroyed. In addition, five churches were destroyed, while some market stalls and business premises were also vandalized.
The Borno State Government has expressed grave concern over the escalating terrorist threats, but Zulum remains committed to bolstering security measures and protecting the lives and properties of Chibok residents. As the military ramps up its efforts to combat the insurgency, the governor’s appeal for community resilience is seen as a crucial step in reclaiming the region from terrorist control.