Governor Babagana Umara Zulum of Borno State cutting short his trip to Abuja flew back to Maiduguri, where he subsequently visited communities attacked by suspected Boko Haram insurgents in Hawul Local Government Area.
Tashan-Alade, Shafa, Azare, Sabon-Kasuwa and Debro were the five communities attacked on Saturday, leaving in its wake the destruction of schools, shops and places of worship. Three lives were affected in Shafa, among them two hunters and one civilian.
Also, thousands of bags of farm produce, recently harvested by farmers, were looted by the insurgents, who also emptied shops and market stalls.
He told journalists that his visit was to strengthen community resilience and provide support to local volunteers supporting the security agencies in restoring peace.
While in Yimirshika, Azare, Sabon-Kasuwa and Shafa, Governor Zulum inspected all destroyed property and ordered for the immediate reconstruction of the property, which included a police station, market stalls and others.
In Shafa, Zulum ordered the provision of six patrol vehicles and other components to strengthen the local security network in the community, while in Yamirshika, he ordered for the provision of surveillance vehicles to hunters and vigilantes.
Addressing the residents, who had just returned to Yamirshika town earlier o Saturday, after attempts by the insurgents on the town was repelled, Governor Zulum promised to strengthen security in the area.
“Insha’Allah, we will strengthen security here and in all places. We will, as soon as possible, make available all your requirements based on my interaction with security stakeholders and community leaders. We will rehabilitate the Police station, the shops and all other infrastructures destroyed yesterday,” said Governor Zulum.
According to him, he feels bad each time he goes to commiserate with people after attacks because the protection of lives and property is the first priority of a government.
“As enshrined in section 14, 2b of the 1999 constitution, security of lives and property remain the cardinal objective of any government, we know this and we are doing everything within our powers to provide security and ensure the welfare of citizens. We will neither relent nor shy away from our responsibilities, we shall remain resilient and focused in our search for peace in Borno.”
Suzan O
