Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, on Sunday visited Ngoshe, a community about 40 kilometres from Gwoza, to assess the extent of destruction caused by recent Boko Haram attacks.
The visit forms part of a two-day confidence and resilience-building tour to affected communities in Ngoshe and Pulka. During the visit, the governor disbursed cash and relief materials to over 30,000 victims impacted by the attacks.
Speaking to journalists after inspecting the area, Zulum described the devastation as both shocking and heartbreaking.
“It is saddening to see this kind of devastation. In recent times, I have not witnessed such destruction. It is sheer madness, but Insha Allah, we shall build back better,” he said.
He assured residents of Ngoshe, located in Gwoza Local Government Area, that the state government would rebuild homes and public infrastructure destroyed during the attacks. He also pledged intensified security measures to restore lasting peace.
Zulum disclosed that he had directed officials from the Ministry of Reconstruction, Rehabilitation and Resettlement to immediately assess the damage with a view to rehabilitating all affected structures.
“I am here with representatives of the Ministry for Reconstruction, Rehabilitation and Resettlement, and I have directed them to assess the level of damage so that all the burnt infrastructure can be rehabilitated,” he said.
The governor further noted that the Federal Government, under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, had recently released funds to the Multinational Joint Task Force to strengthen military operations in the region.
“I am pleased to announce the support and funding recently released by the Federal Government of Nigeria to the Multinational Joint Task Force for military operations in this general area,” he added.
Zulum identified the Mandara Mountains as a major stronghold for insurgents, stressing that taking the fight directly to them remains the most effective strategy.
He also commended military authorities, particularly commanders of the 7 Division, for renewed efforts in securing Ngoshe. According to him, troop deployment in the area has been significantly increased.
“The military has taken over Ngoshe again. They have increased the number of personnel by 100 per cent, and I believe with what they have done so far, we will keep Ngoshe secure,” Zulum stated.
Ngoshe Will Not Fall Again
Addressing troops of the 82 Division Task Force Battalion in Ngoshe, Governor Zulum reaffirmed the commitment of both the federal and state governments to tackling the lingering security challenges in Borno State.
“I want to assure you that the Federal Government of Nigeria, and indeed the Government of Borno State, in partnership with the Armed Forces, will do everything possible to contain the lingering security situation,” he said.
He emphasized the strategic importance of Ngoshe, warning that its fall could have far-reaching consequences for surrounding communities including Pulka, Kirawa, Gwoza and Bama.
“Ngoshe is very important. The fall of Ngoshe would send a very bad signal to Pulka, Kirawa, Gwoza, and even Bama. We shall not allow this town to be taken over again by insurgents,” he vowed.