Boko Haram; Gov Zulum visits deserted town begs Fed Govt for more Military presence
Governor Zulum visits deserted town begs Fed Govt for more Military presence
Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, has urged the Federal Government to act swiftly and decisively to prevent the strategic town of Marte from being overrun by Boko Haram and ISWAP insurgents.
Zulum made the appeal during a visit to Marte on Sunday, following a deadly insurgent attack on Friday that forced thousands of residents to flee to neighbouring Dikwa, leaving the town abandoned.
The governor, who had been actively coordinating security efforts late into Saturday night, toured the deserted community to evaluate the security challenges and identify sustainable measures to restore peace and facilitate safe resettlement.
“Marte was resettled about four years ago, but sadly, in the past three days, it has been attacked and the people displaced once again,” the governor said.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to working closely with the Federal Government and military authorities to ensure the safety of residents and the sustainability of resettlement efforts in the troubled region.
“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 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, declaring that, “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.”
