Esther Salifu
Borno State Governor Babagana Umara Zulum has visited the insurgency-hit towns of Marte and Kala-Balge to assess rising security threats and support affected residents, amid renewed Boko Haram attacks that have claimed dozens of lives and displaced communities.
Governor Zulum’s visit to Marte included an overnight stay, demonstrating solidarity with residents facing escalating threats from insurgents. During his time there, he approved the deployment of 54 patrol vehicles and motorcycles to enhance military operations against insurgents in New Marte, Marte Local Government Area. The support package includes four Buffalo Toyota pickup trucks, 50 operational motorcycles, and surveillance equipment to bolster the military’s operational capabilities in the fight against Boko Haram insurgency.
In Kala-Balge, Governor Zulum visited Rann, the local government headquarters, to commiserate with families of 32 metal scavengers recently killed by Boko Haram/ISWAP insurgents. He urged residents to avoid deserted villages, especially for scavenging activities, as insurgents are known to lay ambushes in such areas.
Governor Zulum has expressed deep concern over the resurgence of Boko Haram attacks and kidnappings across Borno State, noting that the state is losing ground to the terrorists. He highlighted specific incidents, including attacks in Wajirko, Sabon Gari, Wulgo, and Izge, which have led to the killing of civilians and security personnel.
The governor emphasized the need for coordinated action between the military, police, and local authorities to address the persistent threat of Boko Haram insurgents in the state. He also called for increased deployment of modern warfare technology to counter the attacks, particularly in the Sahelian region of Borno that shares borders with Chad, Niger, and Cameroon.
Traditional leaders, including the Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Dr. Abubakar Garbai Al-Amin El-Kanemi, have corroborated the governor’s concerns, noting that several local government areas remain under insurgent control without civil governance. They have called for urgent government intervention in restoring infrastructure and governance in these areas.
