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Market fire: Zulum approves another N1b for reconstruction to start
Market fire: Zulum approves another N1b for reconstruction to start
By: Our Reporter
Governor Babagana Umara Zulum on Wednesday approved another N1b for reconstruction work to start at the Maiduguri Monday Market which was engulfed by a fire disaster in the early hours of Sunday.
Zulum’s approval was announced by the Secretary to Borno State Government, Usman Jidda Shuwa, during the inauguration of a committee that will coordinate all matters relating to the market fire incident.
The governor on Monday, presented a cheque of one billion Naira to be distributed to victims to serve as emergency relief pending other measures by government.
SSG during the inauguration read a speech on behalf of Zulum.
“As a responsible and responsive government, we cannot fold our hands and let the situation be as it is, but rise to our responsibilities and do the needful to salvage the situation for the betterment of our people. I’d been making frantic efforts in providing palliative to boost their resilience. In this connection, I made some commitments which include the constitution of this high-powered committee, I have also approved the sum of N1b for immediate disbursement to the victims for the upkeep of their families. I have approved another N1b for commencement of reconstruction works at the market”, Zulum said as quoted by the SSG.
The 23-member committee inaugurated comprises the following.
Engr. Zarami Dungus as the Chairman of the committee with members including, Prof. Mohammed A. Alhaji, Khalifa Ahmed Bankim, Alhaji Umaru Maina Charam, Special Adviser on Religious Affairs, Special Adviser on Legal and Admin Matters, Rep. of the North East Development Commission, Rep. of the National Emergency Management Agency, Rep. of the Borno State Chamber of Commerce and Agriculture, Rep. of the Nigerian Army.
Others are, Rep. of the Nigerian Police Force, Rep. of the Department of State Services, Rep. of the Nigerian Fire Service, Rep. of the Nigerian Security & Civil Defence Corps, Rep. of the Monday Market Community, Rep. of the Ministry of Youths, Sports & Empowerment, Rep. of the Ministry of Trade, Investment & Tourism, Rep. of the Ministry of Works, Rep. of the Ministry of Justice, Rep. of His Royal Highness, the Shehu of Borno.
The committee also include Chairman 8 Joint Forum Monday Market, the Chairman Traders Association, One Representative each from the 60 Pillars, Rep. Office of the SSG. While General Manager, Monday Market serves as secretary of the committee.
The governor also spelt out 9 specific terms of reference for the committee as follows:
- To appraise and determine the immediate and remote causes of the fire as well as the factors responsible for its wild untrollable nature, engulfing the entire market and establishing whether it was the result of arson or accident.
- To meticulously assess and ascertain whether or not there are specific individuals who may be directly or indirectly responsible for the incident and apportion blame appropriately.
- To thoroughly examine the magnitude of the fire and the extent of the damage caused to physical structures and assess/determine the type of and amount of relief assistance to the affected victims of the fire disaster.
- To accurately compile and determine the actual number of persons who suffered losses as a result of the fire and establish the quantity/amount of property each individual lost to the fire disaster.
- To carefully examine the original master plan of the market and determine whether or not alterations have been made over the years to accommodate more traders and the extent to which such alteration contributed to the uncontainable nature of the fire.
- To determine the extent to which commercial activities have been disrupted by the fire disaster and suggest a suitable site for the construction of another market with a view to decongesting the present one.
- To make appropriate recommendations to the government on how best to avoid fire disasters of a similar nature in future.
- To evaluate and commence reconstruction/rehabilitation of the damaged structures immediately while investigation is being undertaken.
- Any other matter the panel deems relevant to the terms of reference as articulated in the foregoing paragraphs.
Chairman of the committee, Engr. Zarami Dungus expressed gratitude to Governor Zulum for finding them worthy to serve Borno State. He assured of transparent and accountable execution of the task given to them.
Market fire: Zulum approves another N1b for reconstruction to start
News
Zulum Delivers Relief, Cash Support to 434 Ngoshe Residents Rescued from Boko Haram
Zulum Delivers Relief, Cash Support to 434 Ngoshe Residents Rescued from Boko Haram
By: Our Reporter
Borno State Government has distributed relief materials to 434 indigenes of Ngoshe community in Gwoza Local Government Area who were recently rescued by security agencies after spending three months in Boko Haram captivity.
Governor Babagana Umara Zulum visited the victims in Pulka on Monday and directed the immediate distribution of food and non-food items to support their recovery and reintegration.

In compliance with the Governor’s directive, the Director General of the Borno State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Alhaji Ali Abdullahi Isa, promptly supervised the distribution exercise.
Each rescued person received a bag of rice, a bag of maize grits, a mattress, a wrapper, and a shadda, while children received two pairs of clothing.

In addition, 208 heads of households received N50,000 each, fulfilling Governor Zulum’s earlier pledge of financial assistance.
Speaking during the distribution, the SEMA Director General said the intervention was part of the government’s immediate response to ease the hardship faced by the rescued victims.

“I am here at the instance of His Excellency, Governor Babagana Umara Zulum, who was here some few days ago, and to deliver the items he directed that it should be given to you as emergency relief,” Ali stated.
The rescued individuals are currently receiving medical care and psychosocial support at a government facility. Upon completion of the rehabilitation process, they will be reintegrated into their respective communities.
The exercise was carried out alongside the Chairman of Gwoza local government, representatives of the Ngoshe community, and other officials.
Zulum Delivers Relief, Cash Support to 434 Ngoshe Residents Rescued from Boko Haram
News
Democracy Day: Zulum gives 2 MRAPs, other logistics to Army, celebrates with IDPs
Democracy Day: Zulum gives 2 MRAPs, other logistics to Army, celebrates with IDPs
By: Michael Mike
Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, marked Democracy Day with the handover of two Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles and critical logistics to the Nigerian Army, after joining internally displaced persons (IDPs) for a symbolic celebration and distribution of food items to 2,500 beneficiaries.
The armoured MRAPs delivered to the Theatre Command of Operation Hadin Kai on Friday are intended to enhance troop protection against improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and ambushes which remain a persistent threat in the fight against insurgents. Additional logistics include operational Hilux vehicles and motorcycles for frontline soldiers in difficult terrains.
Zulum also marked Nigeria’s Democracy Day celebration with Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) at the Madinatu camp where he distributed food supplies, non-food items, and cash gifts to thousands of beneficiaries.
The distribution, held at the Madinatu IDP camp, served to consolidate Zulum’s resettlement gains. Over the past seven years, Borno State Government has successfully resettled more than 2 million IDPs in their ancestral communities in a dignified and voluntary manner.
“It gladdens my heart today, the 12th of June, 2026, to celebrate June 12th, Democracy Day, here in Madinatu Camp, the only formal camp that is standing inside Maiduguri Metropolitan Council, today, to the glory of God and the benefit of mankind, for the distribution of food and non-food items. Inshallah, this camp will be closed this year. This will be our last distribution exercise in this camp, or the second to the last,” Zulum said.
However, Governor Zulum used the occasion to announce a timeline for the camp’s closure. The governor ordered that Madinatu camp be shut down within one month, vowing to similarly close most IDP camps across various Local Government Areas in the coming phase of his administration’s resettlement strategy.
“Democracy must translate into restoring the dignity of our people,” Zulum told the IDPs. “Living in camps is not a permanent solution. Our goal remains to return every displaced person to their ancestral homes with security and means of livelihood.”
In addition to the food items, Zulum approved N50,000 each for the 2,500 beneficiaries present at the event.
“Each of the 500 beneficiaries mentioned will receive a 25kg bag of rice and a 25kg bag of sorghum. Women will receive wrappers. I also promise to provide 50,000 naira to each beneficiary. This amount can be credited into their own individual accounts, inshallah,” Zulum said.
The exercise was attended by the APC’s State Deputy Chairman, Garba Mulima, APC State Vice Chairman (Central) Abdur Rahman Abdulkarim, Acting Chief of Staff, Dr Babagana Mallumbe, Member representing Jere at the State Assembly, Abba Kyari Kolo, commissioners and commissioner designates and several other senior government officials.
Democracy Day: Zulum gives 2 MRAPs, other logistics to Army, celebrates with IDPs
News
Gov. Yusuf Commends DSS Over Arrest of Suspected Gun Courier in Kano
Gov. Yusuf Commends DSS Over Arrest of Suspected Gun Courier in Kano
By: Michael Mike
Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has commended the Department of State Services (DSS) for the arrest of a suspected gun courier intercepted while allegedly transporting weapons believed to be destined for criminal elements in Katsina State.
The commendation was contained in a statement issued by the Governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, on Thursday, June 12, 2026.

Governor Yusuf described the operation as a major breakthrough in the ongoing fight against banditry, terrorism and other violent crimes threatening communities across Northern Nigeria.
According to information provided by the DSS, the suspect, identified as Muhammad Abubakar, 30, was apprehended in Gezawa Local Government Area of Kano State while allegedly transporting four rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) tubes, three AK-47 rifles and two empty magazines to Funtua in Katsina State.
Preliminary investigations reportedly revealed that the suspect collected the weapons from an individual identified as Bello in the Maigatari border area of Jigawa State and was expected to receive N450,000 upon successful delivery of the arms.
Governor Yusuf praised the professionalism, vigilance and intelligence-driven approach of DSS operatives, noting that the timely interception prevented the weapons from falling into the hands of bandits and other criminal groups.
He said the operation underscored the critical role of intelligence gathering and effective collaboration among security agencies in tackling emerging security threats across the country.
The governor reaffirmed the commitment of the Kano State Government to supporting security agencies through sustained cooperation, logistics assistance and policies aimed at strengthening public safety throughout the state.
He also urged residents to remain vigilant and continue providing credible information to security agencies to aid efforts to combat crime and maintain peace.
Governor Yusuf expressed confidence that ongoing investigations would lead to the arrest and prosecution of all individuals connected to the alleged arms trafficking network.
The statement was signed by Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, Director General, Media and Publicity, Government House, Kano.
Gov. Yusuf Commends DSS Over Arrest of Suspected Gun Courier in Kano
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