Yuletide Season: Borno Governor offers Packages to soldiers in Bama

The Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum paid a visit to 151 battalion headquarters at Banki junction in Bama where he surprised each of over 700 soldiers and their officers with Christmas packages for their undefeated battle with the Boko Haram.

Zulum held a closed-door meeting with the commander of the 21 special armoured brigades, Brigadier General Waheed Shaibu and commanding officer of the 151 battalions, Major A. A Umar after which the Governor addressed the troops.

“On the basis of fairness, I treat everyone or group on their own merit. While we have challenges in some areas, we have successes in others, and one of those areas is the 151 battalion because you have never been defeated by the Boko Haram since formation.

“This battalion has largely stabilized all the areas under your jurisdiction here in Bama. I am principally here on behalf of Government and the people of Borno State, to once again, register our appreciation as I have done here before and as often do to other battalions and their brigades across the State.

All of you have been very gallant and patriotic. We acknowledge all your sacrifices and we also know that you all operate under difficult conditions in different operational locations. We came with our widow’s might. Food will come your way and I have given a message to your commanders which will reach each one of you.

Nothing can compensate for your sacrifices. We are grateful and we pray that Allah continues to protect all of you here and all our troops and volunteers and sustain your strength to remain undefeated. May God grant us permanent peace in Borno and Nigeria in general. God bless you all.”

Governor Zulum also directed the construction of 200 homes at Gurusoye a village behind the battalion’s Headquarters where Boko Haram destroyed during their occupation.

He said the construction is for resettlement purposes and to create aesthetics that will attract productive population for social and economic restoration.

Suzan O