Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, on Monday visited Konduga Local Government Area to commiserate with victims of the recent bomb blast at the fish market, which left behind trauma, destruction, and loss of lives.
Speaking to journalists after a brief interaction with affected residents and community leaders, Governor Zulum expressed deep sympathy for those injured and displaced by the tragic incident.
He noted that although a state delegation had earlier visited the scene, his presence was essential to demonstrate the government’s concern and to take decisive steps against the underlying causes of the attack.
“I am here to personally commiserate with you. Though a delegation was sent earlier, I felt it was important to come myself,” the Governor said.
Beyond offering condolences, Zulum shifted focus to what he described as the root causes of insecurity in the area. He linked the bombing to illegal activities, especially the sale of illicit drugs such as Indian hemp.
“We had already directed those operating illegally around the blast site to vacate. Unfortunately, our warnings were ignored. People continued selling drugs and committing all sorts of atrocities in the area,” he lamented.
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Governor Zulum announced that the state government had set up a high-powered committee tasked with identifying and shutting down drug centres across Borno.
He added that structures harbouring illicit drug activities would be demolished, and perpetrators arrested and prosecuted.
“The government will not fold its arms while criminals endanger lives. All joints where Indian hemp and other illegal drugs are sold will be dismantled, and perpetrators will be dealt with according to the law,” he said.
He further disclosed that the Borno State House of Assembly would, on Tuesday, review and strengthen the state’s sanitation law.
The revised law will empower law enforcement agencies to arrest offenders without a warrant and ensure its enforcement across all 27 local government areas of the state.
“We must act swiftly to prevent further occurrences. The safety and stability of our communities remain our top priority,” Zulum added.
Governor Zulum also warned that some of the drug operators previously dislodged from Maiduguri Metropolitan Council have now relocated to rural areas like Konduga, where they continue their activities unchecked.
He assured that the new law will be enforced statewide to uproot all such criminal activities and restore lasting peace in Borno.