Zulum visits community displaced by terrorists
Borno State Governor Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, on Saturday, paid a confidence- and resilience-building visit to the displaced persons in Ngoshe, currently taking refuge in Pulka.
Ngoshe is a community in Gwoza local government attacked on 4th March by terrorists, forcing residents to flee from their homes.
The community was fully occupied by the terrorists for a few days before they were effectively flushed out by the military.
This is the second time Governor Zulum has visited the victims since the incident.
Addressing the displaced persons at the Pulka Central Primary School, Zulum said the visit was aimed at reinforcing government support, boost public confidence, and engage with stakeholders to improve security in the area.
“The major reason why we are here is first and foremost to once again sympathize with them and to convey our deepest sympathy, and to assure them that the Federal Government of Nigeria and the Borno State Government will do everything possible to strengthen the security of the entire Gwoza community,” Zulum said.
He also assured residents of Gwoza and surrounding communities of sustained humanitarian assistance for those affected, while all those in captivity will be rescued.
The governor informed them that the government will rebuild destroyed infrastructure and ensure a safe, dignified return of any person willing to return home
Zulum urged residents to collaborate with security agencies to prevent further attacks.
The governor said that food and non-food items would be distributed to displaced households in Ngoshe, as well as Pulka community, which is hosting displaced persons from neighbouring areas affected by the attacks.
“Most of them have left their homes for about two weeks, and we believe there is a need to provide palliatives. By tomorrow morning, we shall provide food and non-food items to heads of households and married women,” he added.
On security, the governor said consultations would be held with military commanders and local security outfits, including the Civilian JTF, hunters, and vigilantes, to strengthen operations in the area.
“Tonight, we shall discuss with the brigade commander, military officers, and all security personnel on how to strengthen security around this general area,” he said.
Zulum emphasised that ongoing counter-terrorism efforts are being driven by strong collaboration between security forces and local communities.
“What is ongoing here is a result of a very serious partnership between the army, other security personnel, and the community. The Civilian JTF, hunters, and vigilantes are working under the command and control of the Nigerian Army,” he noted.
The Governor was accompanied by the Senator representing Borno South, Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume; members of the House of Representatives and the state House of Assembly, Commissioners and stakeholders from Gwoza local government area.
