By Gbenga Akingbule.
In a clear response to the recent surge in Boko Haram attacks, Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Zulum, has taken swift action. One of his key decisions was to visit towns and villages devastated by the insurgents, aiming to reassure and bring hope to affected communities.
Gatekeepers News reports that this is not first time Prof Zulum will be visiting deadly zones where boko haram terrorists had lunched attacks against the military and civilians, his aim as always is to bring hope and support to affected communities.
Last week, Governor Zulum embarked on a visit to Marte Local Government Council, a frontline community where the Boko Haram Terrorists had killed both civilians and military personnel. Seeing the level of devastation, Zulum made a passionate appeal to the Federal Government not allow Marte fall to the insurgents.
According to Zulum “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 heads together and hold our ground for this single town in this LGA to remain.”
The Governor who can best be described as one of the fearless governors in the country, took the bull by the horn when he spent nights in the affected communities, coordinating security logistics and supporting residents with food and non-food items to cushion their hardship.
The fearless Zulum didn’t terminate his trip at Marte, he proceeded to other affected communities where his people are still trapped in fear and uncertainty following the renewed Boko Haram attacks.
In Rann, Kala Balge Local Government Council and Wulgo in Ngala Local Government Council, the Governor also took same message of hope and support to displaced residents urging them to keep hope alive as the state government and security forces are on top of the situation.
Only last week, the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen Christopher Musa visited Maiduguri to assess the situation where he met with top military officers and promised that the military will change the narrative and that there will be no hidding place for both Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists.
As the Army begins the Chief of Army Staff first Bi – Annual Conference in Maiduguri on Thursday, expectations are high that the outcome will yield effective strategies to counter the resurgence of Boko Haram attacks, ultimately ensuring the safety and security of Borno State’s residents, especially those in rural communities
“Our goal will be to identify areas for improvement and develop practical solutions that will strengthen our effectiveness in safeguarding the nation’s peace and security,” the Chief of Army Staff (COAS ) Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede promised while delivering his speech at the conference.
COAS added that ” We must not allow these setbacks to dampen our spirit or diminish our collective resolve to stamp out that which seeks to ridicule the sanctity of our sovereignty .”
Gbenga Akingbule, is a practicing journalist in Maiduguri
