Zulum Reaffirms Commitment to Dignified Resettlement of Boko Haram Victims

By: Our Reporter

Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has reiterated his administration’s unwavering commitment to resettling victims of the Boko Haram insurgency in a dignified and sustainable manner.

The Governor made this pledge during a courtesy visit by the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Professor Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, on Tuesday, at the Government House in Maiduguri.

Addressing the ongoing challenges faced by Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), Governor Zulum stressed the unsustainability of prolonged stays in IDP camps, citing donor fatigue as a pressing concern.

“IDPs have stayed too long in camps; it is no longer sustainable. We want them to move out and earn their livelihoods. While UN organizations and NGOs have done commendable work, there is no consistent funding to sustain people in these camps,” Zulum stated.

The Governor emphasized the need for durable and sustainable solutions to address humanitarian challenges, including the resettlement and empowerment of displaced persons.

He pledged to collaborate closely with agencies under the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs to expedite the safe and dignified repatriation of refugees.

In response, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Professor Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, announced the ministry’s plans to integrate Borno’s humanitarian model into a comprehensive Humanitarian Response Plan.

He commended Governor Zulum for his focus on return, rehabilitation, and reconstruction efforts, which have been pivotal in restoring infrastructure and reviving social life in the state.

“Governor Zulum has provided exemplary leadership by aligning state efforts with national and international partners, ensuring that livelihoods and social activities are gradually returning to Borno,” the Minister remarked.

The Minister further outlined plans for the repatriation and reintegration of Nigerian refugees back to their ancestral homes, with a commitment to empowering them towards self-reliance.

The Minister was accompanied by Federal Commissioner, National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons, Hon. Tijani Aliyu Ahmed, Senior Special Assistant to the President on School Feeding Programme, Dr. Yetunde Adeniji, along with senior officials from the ministry.

Zulum Reaffirms Commitment to Dignified Resettlement of Boko Haram Victims

Prof. Dakum Empathizes with Victims of Laranto Market

By: Bodunrin Kayode

Chief Executive Officer, Institute of Human Virology Nigeria, IHVN, and Professor in the Department of Epidemiology and Public Health at the University Of Maryland School Of Medicine, Baltimore USA, Professor Patrick Dakum recently sympathized with residents affected by the Sunday fire which engulfed the Laranto Market in Jos North council Area of the State.

Dakum in a statement said he was aware goods running into hundreds of millions of naira were gutted by a sudden fire and destroyed.

The Plateau State Labour Party, Governorship candidate in the 2023 general elections, lamented that the fire was a setback and colossal frustration to its victims at this period of advanced scourging, excruciating heat where most of the residents of the country was gasping for breathe for survival and trying to make ends meet.

Dakum regretted that the fire was also a paralyzing blow to the economy of the state, as peoples means of livelihood that will generated revenue for government has been destroyed.

Dakum regretted the recurring yearly inferno at the market over the years, and called on the government to as a matter of urgency investigate the perpetual cause of the incessant inferno and suggest lasting solution to it.

Dakum called on Governor Caleb Mutfwang not to hesitate in keeping his promises to the traders and rebuilding of the market accordingly.

The former Commissioner of Health and Information, exhort traders and citizens to be fire outbreak conscious and ensure to have fire extinguishers at home, schools and other business premises, and to switch off their electrical appliances as soon as power goes off to avoid fire disasters to their properties at the instance of power returns.

Prof. Dakum Empathizes with Victims of Laranto Market

Gov Zulum salutes the military over decisive defense of Kukawa against desperate Boko Haram insurgents

By: Bodunrin Kayode

Borno Governor Professor Babagana Zulum has commended troops of operations Hadin Kai for successful defense of Kukawa town about 127km from Maiduguri the Borno state capital.

On Monday 25 November 2024, the Borno Governor, Prof Babagana Zulum received a cheerful and heart-warming brief on the successful defence of Kukawa town by troops of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) who coordinated the repulsion of a large column of Boko Haram insurgents that attempted to run over the township.

“Buoyed by recent attack on Kareto of 16 Nov 2024, the enemy mistakenly assumed that they could attack other locations and get away without response. The terrorists came to Kukawa riding on motorcycles clad with assault rifles and RPGs.” Said commissioner of information and internal security Prof Usman Tar in release.

Cursory to the military’s onslaught, the insurgents attacked from the main Gudumbali axis gate and crossed defensive trenches hoping to advance on the town and run over it the release noted.

“Working on actionable intelligence, gallant troops of 19 Brigade Cross Kauwa and 403 Amphibious Brigade Baga mobilised to counter the attack. The adversary met its Waterloo at the battle field.

“The Nigerian Air Force provided close air support in a well-coordinated and efficient manner. Interim battle impact assessment revealed that many of the insurgents were killed. Our gallant troops and CJTF were able to confiscate a significant number of motor bikes and vehicles while inflicting fatal harm on the insurgents.” Said the Commissioner of internal security.” Noted the release.

Gov Zulum was also informed, on a sad note, that troops encountered casualties of which 2 CJTF personnel were injured but not fatal; 4 Nigerian Army fatalities, and one civilian, Masa Mallam Abba Zaraye, was also struck by a stray bullet.
This is painful but we are consoled by the fatal annihilation of the enemy.

“In view of this, Gov Zulum conveys salutations to our gallant troops over this spectacular battle success.” Noted the release

” He also thanked the Federal Government under the distinguished leadership of President Bola Tinubu for providing strategic leadership, direction and support to the armed forces to perform their constitutional duty of defending our country.

“Gov Zulum also expressed heartfelt sympathy to those who lost their lives or incurred injury. He however cautioned that, in spite of this battle success, our gallant troops should be guided by the rules of engagement in asymmetric battle.

“Indeed, the Nigerian Armed Forces’ efforts are admirable, but I hasten to admonish our troops to be vigilant and not to be carried away by this momentary success. They should watch out for retaliatory attack by the insurgents, and respond with decisive force.” echoed Gov Zulum.

Zulum called on residents to continue to support the armed forces with actionable intelligence that will help them counter our collective threats.

Gov Zulum salutes the military over decisive defense of Kukawa against desperate Boko Haram insurgents