Zulum Spends Night Coordinating Security in Pulka

… Disburses Cash, Palliative to over 30,000 Ngoshe, Pulka Households

By: Michael Mike

Borno State Governor spent the entire Saturday night coordinating security activities in Pulka following the recent attacks in Ngoshe, Pulka and other communities in Gwoza.

This is the first time a sitting governor has slept in Pulka, a community 22 kilometres from Gwoza.

Governor Zulum held a security meeting with the Brigade Commander, military officers, security personnel, and civilian JTF to discuss strengthening security in the general area.

He said leadership is all about commitment and sacrifice which has been the hallmark of his administration since he assumed office.

“Leadership is not about living in your comfort zone and addressing people and their concerns, but coming directly to the doorsteps of the less privileged. This has been my tradition, this has been my culture since I assumed duty as the governor of the state,” Zulum said.

“I cannot remember when I lived consecutively for 10 days in my office or even one week since I assumed duty. I’m always in the remote areas attending to people, and I believe this is what we should do from now on to the end of my own administration,” he added.

… Zulum Disburses Cash, Palliative to over 30,000 Ngoshe, Pulka Households

Governor Babagana Umara Zulum has distributed cash, food, and non-food items to over 30,000 affected households of Ngoshe and Pulka communities.

The relief item is intended to provide succor to victims of the recent attack and to the host communities.

“Each male and female heads of household in Ngoshe will receive N30,000, while married women will receive N20,000. In addition, mattresses and clothing will be distributed to both men and women,” Zulum announced.

The governor disclosed that the intervention would also cover Pulka community which has been impacted by the influx of displaced persons from neighbouring areas.

He further acknowledged the support of the Federal Government and Alhaji Aliko Dangote, who donated 30,000 bags of 10kg rice to support vulnerable populations in the state.

“Out of the 30,000 bags, Pulka community will benefit from the scheme. We are distributing both food and non-food items not only to Ngoshe but also Pulka, which is also a displacement-affected community,” Zulum noted.

Governor Zulum called on residents of affected communities in Gwoza to remain patient and cooperate with security agencies, assuring them of sustained efforts by both the federal and state governments to restore lasting peace.

“They should give the necessary cooperation to all security agencies with a view to identifying culprits within the society. Information is a very valuable tool for addressing insecurity. Without the support of the community, insecurity will never end,” he added.

Items distributed include rice, maize, guinea corn, mattresses, and plastic mats.

Those on the governor’s entourage include Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume, member representing Gwoza, Damboa, and Chibok at the national assembly, Hon. Ahmed Jaha, Chairman Palliative Distribution Committee and member representing Monguno, Nganzai, Marte, Hon. Bukar Talba, member representing Gwoza state constituency; Commissioners for Local government and that of Transport and Energy; Special Advisers and other government officials.

Zulum Spends Night Coordinating Security in Pulka

Zulum Condemns Maiduguri Explosion, Calls for Calm, Vigilance in Worship, Public Places

Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has condemned in the strongest terms the explosion that occurred in some parts of the metropolis on Monday evening.

Zulum, who is currently in Saudi Arabia for the Lesser Hajj, described the attack as despicable, cruel, and cowardly, targeting innocent people in the holy month of Ramadan.

In a statement, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media, Dauda Iliya, called for increased vigilance and heightened security measures, particularly in places of worship, as the festive period beckons.

“I am deeply saddened by the explosions that occurred in parts of the metropolis on Monday evening.
My thoughts and prayers are with the families of the victims and those injured as a result of the blast. The act is utterly condemnable, barbaric, and inhumane,” said Zulum.

He added, “The recent surge in attacks is not unconnected with intense military operations in the Sambisa forest and other hideouts of the insurgents.

The Governor, therefore, assured people of the state that the military and other security agencies are on top of the situation, as adequate measures have been taken to forestall any security breach in Maiduguri and the entire state.

He called on residents to remain calm, go about their usual activities, and report any suspicious movement or activity to security agencies.

Zulum Condemns Maiduguri Explosion, Calls for Calm, Vigilance in Worship, Public Places

Zulum Pays Sympathy Visit to Victims of Ngoshe Attack, Assures Rescue of Abducted Residents

By: Our Reporter

Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has commiserated with the people of Ngoshe affected by the recent Boko Haram attack, describing the incident as tragic.

Ngoshe, a community in Gwoza local government, was attacked on Tuesday evening, scores were killed, while others were abducted.

Addressing members of the community on Friday in Pulka, Governor Zulum said he personally came to sympathize with the affected people and families of those that lost their loved ones.

He assured that efforts are underway to rescue all those abducted, restore security, and provide humanitarian support to victims.

“We are here today to commiserate with the people of Ngoshe that have lost their loved ones following the unfortunate incident that occurred on Tuesday. The situation is very sad and our hearts go out to all those affected by this tragedy,” Zulum said.

“I want to assure you that we will do everything possible to address the unfortunate situation that has befallen this community, and for those who have been abducted, the Nigerian military will do everything within its capacity to rescue them,” Zulum assured.

Governor Zulum explained that military operations are currently ongoing in Ngoshe and the Sambisa Forest to rid the area of criminal elements.

“There are ongoing military operations within the Sambisa Game Reserve. What we witnessed yesterday was largely a result of insurgents being pushed out from their strongholds, which led them to launch coordinated attacks on nearby communities,” he explained.

He called on the Nigerian Army to intensify operations to clear insurgents from the Mandara Hills which he described as a major security threat.

“The Mandara Hills remain a major security concern. The insurgents descended from the hills to attack this town. Therefore, I call on the Nigerian Army and the Federal Government to intensify efforts to clear Mandara Hills of insurgents,” Zulum said.

The governor noted that the exact number of casualties is yet to be confirmed as assessments are still ongoing, but acknowledged that several lives were lost while others were abducted.

As part of immediate humanitarian intervention, the governor said the state government had begun distributing relief materials and establishing 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 that everyone in this community can receive meals from a central kitchen,” he said.

The governor appealed to residents to remain calm and law-abiding, noting that Borno State government will double its efforts to end this madness. “We shall not relent in our commitment to restoring lasting peace and stability in the state,” he said.

“I strongly believe that with sustained military operations and cooperation between all levels of government, we will overcome this challenge. Insha Allah, peace will return fully to our land,” the governor added.

Similarly, Governor Babagana Zulum inspected houses burned during an attack by Boko Haram insurgents on Thursday in Konduga town.

Zulum Pays Sympathy Visit to Victims of Ngoshe Attack, Assures Rescue of Abducted Residents