Our Hearts Go Out to You: Zulum Comforts Survivors of Boko Haram Massacre in Gwoza

By Muhammad Maitela, Damaturu

Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has visited survivors of a deadly Boko Haram attack in the Ngoshe community, assuring them of intensified efforts to rescue those abducted and restore lasting security to the area.

The attack, which occurred on Tuesday in Ngoshe, a community within Gwoza Local Government Area, resulted in scores of deaths and the abduction of several residents.

During a visit to displaced people in Pulka on Friday, Governor Zulum described the incident as a tragic setback.

“We are here today to commiserate with the people of Ngoshe who have lost their loved ones following the unfortunate incident that occurred on Tuesday,” he said.

“The situation is very sad, and our hearts go out to all those affected by this tragedy.”

Addressing the issue of the kidnapped residents, the Governor expressed confidence in the country’s armed forces.

“I want to assure you that we will do everything possible to address the unfortunate situation. For those who have been abducted, the Nigerian military will do everything within its capacity to rescue them,” Zulum assured the community.

He explained that the recent surge in violence is linked to ongoing military campaigns in the region. According to the Governor, the attack on Ngoshe was a direct consequence of troops flushing insurgents out of their enclaves.

“There are ongoing military operations within the Sambisa Game Reserve. What we witnessed was largely a result of insurgents being pushed out from their strongholds, which led them to launch coordinated attacks on nearby communities,” he explained.

In a strategic appeal to the federal government, Governor Zulum called for an immediate intensification of military operations in the Mandara Hills, which he identified as a critical launchpad for insurgent activities.

“The Mandara Hills remain a major security concern. The insurgents descended from the hills to attack this town. Therefore, I call on the Nigerian Army and the Federal Government to intensify efforts to clear Mandara Hills of insurgents,” Zulum said.

While noting that the precise number of casualties is still being verified, the Governor acknowledged the significant loss of life and property.

As part of an immediate humanitarian response, he announced the distribution of relief materials and the establishment of central cooking points to feed displaced residents.

“For now, we will distribute food items to those affected, and I have directed that cooking points be established so that everyone in this community can receive meals from a central kitchen,” he stated.

Governor Zulum appealed to the residents to remain calm and law-abiding, assuring them that the state government is doubling its efforts to end the insurgency.