BORNO KILLINGS: ZULUM MOURNS VICTIMS, PLEDGES RESCUE OF ABDUCTED RESIDENTS

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By: Balogun Ibrahim

Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum on Friday mourned residents killed in the recent Boko Haram attack on Ngoshe community in Gwoza Local Government Area and assured that efforts are ongoing to rescue those abducted.

The governor made the remarks while visiting Pulka to console families affected by the attack.

The Media had earlier reported that insurgents struck Ngoshe on Wednesday night, killing several residents and abducting more than 300 others.

Describing the attack as tragic, Zulum extended his condolences to the families who lost loved ones.

“We are here today to console the people of Ngoshe who lost loved ones in the tragic incident that occurred on Tuesday. It is a very sad situation, and our hearts go out to everyone affected,” Zulum said.

He assured the community that every effort would be made to address the situation and rescue those who were abducted. “The Nigerian military will do everything within its power to bring them back safely,” he added.

The governor noted that military operations are currently underway in Ngoshe and surrounding areas, including parts of the Sambisa Forest, to flush out insurgents from the region.

“There are ongoing military operations within the Sambisa Game Reserve. Yesterday’s attack was largely a result of insurgents being forced out of their strongholds, prompting them to launch coordinated strikes on nearby communities,” he said.

Zulum also urged the Nigerian Army and the Federal Government to step up operations in the Mandara Hills, describing the area as a significant security threat.

“The Mandara Hills remain a major security concern, with insurgents descending from the hills to attack this town. I urge the Nigerian Army and the Federal Government to intensify efforts to clear the area of insurgents,” Governor Zulum said.

He noted that the exact number of casualties is yet to be confirmed as assessments continue, but acknowledged that several lives were lost and many residents abducted.

Zulum added that the state government has begun distributing relief materials and setting up cooking points to provide food for displaced residents.

“For now, we will distribute food items to those affected, and I have directed that cooking points be established so everyone in this community can receive meals from a central kitchen,” he said.

The governor urged residents to remain calm and law-abiding, assuring that the state government will continue working to restore peace in the area.

“We will not waver in our commitment to restoring lasting peace and stability in the state.

“I firmly believe that with sustained military operations and cooperation across all levels of government, we will overcome this challenge. Insha Allah, peace will fully return to our land,” Governor Zulum said.

Meanwhile, the governor also visited Konduga town on Thursday to inspect houses destroyed during another Boko Haram attack.