Terror Resurgence: Gov. Zulum’s week-long tour bolster community resilience in Borno- Dauda Iliya

By Muhammad Maitela, Damaturu

In a bold response to the recent resurgence of Boko Haram/ISWAP attacks in Borno State, Governor Babagana Umara Zulum embarked on a high-stakes, week-long tour of terror-ravaged communities, reinforcing resilience and rallying security forces to prevent further territorial losses.

In a statement signed by Dauda Iliya, the Spokesperson and Media advisor to Borno state Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, noted that between May 17 and 23, 2025, the governor visited nine locations—including Marte, Kala-Balge, Dikwa, and Ngala—assessing damage, coordinating military support, and distributing aid to displaced families.

He added that, the daring presence of Gov. Zulum in these volatile zones has been hailed as a morale booster for residents and troops alike.

The attacks, which escalated in late April and mid-May, threatened to reverse years of progress in resettling displaced communities.

Marte, a town reclaimed from insurgents four years ago, was nearly deserted after fresh assaults forced over 20,000 residents to flee to Dikwa.

“If we lose Marte, we risk losing the entire local government to insurgents,” Zulum warned during an inspection of destroyed areas.

“We cannot allow a return to the humanitarian crisis of 2014-2019.”

Zulum spent two nights in Marte, holding strategic meetings with security forces before moving to Kala-Balge, where he observed a day of fasting and prayer for peace.

There, he approved 10 patrol vehicles and additional logistics for troops and local vigilantes.

His visits also included food distributions to over 10,000 families, mostly women and children, while urging vigilance against insurgent recruitment tactics.

The governor commended the military’s swift deployment of troops and equipment following his appeals.

“The federal government and armed forces have responded positively.”