Connect with us

News

Sambisa Forest: The quest for peace, socio-economic stability in Lake Chad basin

Published

on

Sambisa Forest: The quest for peace, socio-economic stability in Lake Chad basin

By Zagazola Makama

Recently, Governor Babagana Umara Zulum of Borno, once again breaks the jinx when he drew the attention of the international community to the urgent need to reclaim Sambisa Forest which is on the verge of extinction.

Zulum made the call while delivering a speech few weeks ago in New York at the United Nations High-Level Segment Roundtable with the theme: “Forest-based solutions to the triple planetary crises: A focus on people, science, technology, and finance.”

One wondered why the governor of the war-ravaged state would premise his presentation to the International community on Sambisa forest while his people at home are grappling with myriads of social, economic, security and humanitarian challenges.

The governor’s action is not far fetch considering the importance of Sambisa forest to the social and economic survival of not only Borno State but to a larger extent the whole of northern Nigeria and neighbouring countries.

Arguably, reinvigorating Sambisa forest will propel Zulum administration’s social and economic development programmes, provides livelihood, enhance peace restoration and dignified resettlement of displaced persons, as well as preserve biodiversity, fauna and flora, protect the environment and mitigate impacts of climate change.

Commenting on the deflating forest resources, Mr Aminu Ibrahim, an environmentalist, said urgent intervention are necessary to protect the forest from further destruction.

Ibrahim commended Zulum over his commitment to reclaim Sambisa forest, protect the environment and preserve the ecosystem.

He noted that the governor’s plea was in a right direction which called for the support of all to address the menace.

As simply put by Ibrahim, we can only appreciate Zulum’s bold steps by understanding the strategic importance of Sambisa forest to the environment and lives of the people in northern Nigeria.

The Sambisa Forest, located in Borno State in North-East Nigeria, covering an area of about 518 square kilometers. The British colonial administration gazetted the forest as a reserve in 1958, and In 1977, the area was re-gazetted as a National Game Reserve for the preservation of rare animals. It’s abundant greenery was home to various species of wild animals.

In 1991, the Borno state government incorporated Sambisa into a national park, thus upgrading its status. And during the 1970s and 80s, Sambisa forest attracted tourists from far and near.

Presently, the story has changed following the invasion of the Sambisa by the Boko Haram insurgents since escalation of the crisis in 2013.

The famous tourist attraction forest now provides a space for the organisational, operational, logistical and technical infrastructure of Boko Haram, including command units, armoury, training grounds, detention and execution camps, landmines and artisanal bomb making factories as well as settlements. It is also the major destination for the insurgents’ victims of abduction and detention.

From 2014 to date, Sambisa forest has been a major front of counter-insurgency operations by Nigerian military which culminated in gross destruction of its resources. Despite the significant successes made by the Nigerian security forces in gaining entrance and reclaiming the forest, some parts of it are still under strong control of the Boko Haram insurgents.

Sambisa forest in comparison to other areas of Nigeria, is the most strategically auspicious base for the pattern of asymmetric guerrilla warfare deployed by Boko Haram. It is extremely sparse and expansive, and therefore very difficult to govern.

It is also located within a trans-territorial area characterised by porosity of borders with Cameroon, Chad and Niger Republics.

Paradoxically, the abandonment of the management of Sambisa forest sequel to the takeover by Boko Haram insurgents, resulted to the gradual disappearance of animals, destruction of biodiversity and ecosystem.

To reverse the tide and ensure effective utilisation of the forest resources to aid sustainable Recovery, Rehabilitation and Resettlement programmes, governor Zulum advocated for the revival of the Sambisa.

Zulum said that: “Borno State has been significantly impacted by the crisis of insecurity caused by Boko Haram insurgency which has led to widespread displacement of communities, destruction of infrastructure, and loss of livelihoods.

“The conflict has also exacerbated environmental degradation, including deforestation and loss of biodiversity in our major forest (Sambisa Forest), further exacerbating the vulnerabilities of our region.

“The loss of forest cover is resulting soil erosion, reduced water availability, loss of biodiversity and increased vulnerability to climate change impacts”.

Zulum noted that the shrinking of Lake Chad, a vital source of water and livelihood for millions of people in the region, is a direct consequence of climate change resulting from the incessant destruction of Sambisa forests.

The governor lamented that deforestation in Borno State has been driven by a combination of factors, including population growth, agricultural expansion, unsustainable land use practices, need for energy and the impact of the Boko Haram insurgency.

Zulum also some of measures adopted by the Borno state government to reclaim the forest to include rehabilitation and restoration, community engagements, monitoring and evaluation, as well as collaboration with development partners.

Corroborating Zulum, Mr James Audu, a conservationist, said considering Sambisa’s vast area of landscape traversing many territories and large scale destruction of forest resources, urgent international commitment is imperative to address one of the worst global environmental disasters triggered by prolonged conflict in the Sahel region.

Zagazola Makama, is a Counter Insurgency Expert and Security Analyst in the Lake Chad Region.

Sambisa Forest: The quest for peace, socio-economic stability in Lake Chad basin

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

News

Fresh Babcock graduate found dead in hostel, police begin investigation

Published

on

Fresh Babcock graduate found dead in hostel, police begin investigation

By: Zagazola Makama

The Ogun State Police Command has commenced investigation into the sudden death of a 20-year-old fresh graduate of Information Technology from Babcock University, Ilisan Remo.

Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the deceased, identified as Akawa Boluwatife Samuel, was brought to the Babcock University Teaching Hospital by his roommates on Wednesday and was confirmed dead by the medical doctor on duty.

Police detectives who visited the scene said one of the deceased’s roommates, Adili Leonard Chimdindu, disclosed that Boluwatife had complained of cold and difficulty in breathing on July 27, and was advised to visit the University Medical Centre.

According to him, they were on campus to complete their clearance process ahead of graduation, and the deceased had planned to return home soon.

He further stated that the deceased was in good spirits the previous night and played games on his laptop until around 11:00 p.m. He was, however, found unresponsive by morning.

Photographs of the deceased were taken, and the statement of his elder brother, Akawa Toluwanimi John, was recorded.

The body has been deposited at the university morgue for autopsy and preservation, while investigations are ongoing to determine the cause of death.

Fresh Babcock graduate found dead in hostel, police begin investigation

Continue Reading

News

Community leader decries terrorists’ occupation of 7 Plateau communities

Published

on

Community leader decries terrorists’ occupation of 7 Plateau communities

By: Michael Mike

The Waziri Mushere and community leader in Plateau, Chief Yohana Margif has raised alarm over terrorists’ current occupation of seven villages in Mushere community after displacing the inhabitants from their ancestral homes.

Margif in a statement issued on Friday, expressed his shock over the new development, and listed the occupied villages as Hokk, Kaban, Kadim, Nawula, Dulu, Mbor and Margif.

According to him, the seven communities, which are all in Mushere Chiefdom of Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau state were recently attacked and ravaged by the terrorists, who killed many of the inhabitants and displaced thousands.

He said that for over three months now, the beleaguered communities had been under relentless terrorist attacks and siege, forcing them to flee their incestral homes to take shelter at Internally Displaced Persons’ (IDP) camps.

Margif said that the Fulani invaders, who have taken over their villages, are shockingly building their tents with their cattle gracing on their farms with impunity.

He noted that this was in spite of the state government’s claim that no part of the state was under terrorists’ occupation.

He said: “Am still in a state of shock by the governor’s claim that no part of Plateau State is under the control of bandit terrorists.

“My people have been forced to live in the wilderness at this critical period of the year when they are supposed to be in their farms.

“The terrorists who were previously called unknown gunmen are now known, as they have now set up tents in our lands on which their cattle are grazing, which is visible for everybody to see,” he said.

The Labour Party chieftain and gubernatorial hopeful, who lost his bid for the Plateau State governorship seat in the 2023 elections, stressed that terrorists who have built tents and are openly carrying guns around can no longer be regarded as unknown.

He said that the reality on ground contradicted the governor’s assertion as these communities have been practically and brazenly taken over by terrorists, who have usurped their lands and livestock.

“Enough is enough of this, government has abdicated its responsibility of protecting its citizens for too long.

“Now that the terrorists’ identity is known, let the relevant authorities direct the security agencies to go after them, so that our people can return to their ancestral homes.

“The Plateau State government must take immediate and decisive actions to restore peace and security of the communities because the people deserve protection, justice and the right to live in their ancestral homes without fear,” he emphasised.

Margif suggested that government should immediately direct security agencies to flush out the terrorists from the seven affected communities and smoke them out of their well-known sanctuaries in surrounding hills.

He also urged relevant authorities to take decisive steps to address the humanitarian challenges by providing relief to the distraught inhabitants who are currently taking shelter at lDP camps.

Community leader decries terrorists’ occupation of 7 Plateau communities

Continue Reading

News

Gombe Gov. urges corps members to support state devt

Published

on

Gombe Gov. urges corps members to support state devt

Gov. Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State on Friday urged corps members deployed to the state to contribute meaningfully to its development during their service year.

He made the call while declaring open the 2025 Batch ‘B’ Stream I Orientation Course at the temporary NYSC orientation camp in Akko Local Government Area.

The governor represented by the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Mr Inuwa Ibrahim, described corps members as critical stakeholders in nation-building.

Yahaya noted that the immediate past set of corps members had contributed significantly through community development projects, youth mentorship, and empowerment programmes.

“As you serve in Gombe State, I encourage you to be part of our developmental process, contributing to the transformation of our state and the empowerment of our youth.

“Your predecessors did well in nation-building, and it’s our collective responsibility to continue on this positive path,” he said.

He assured the corps members of a safe and conducive environment to enable them serve effectively and impact their host communities positively.

“Gombe State is a safe haven, and we guarantee a conducive working environment for your activities and programmes during your service year,” Yahaya added.

In her remarks, Mrs Chinwe Nwachuku, the NYSC State Coordinator in Gombe, urged the 940 corps members to participate actively in all camp activities as a foundation for their service year.

She encouraged them to adhere to camp rules, shun negative behaviour, and uphold the core values of the NYSC.

Nwachuku also appreciated the Gombe State Government, stakeholders, and residents for their continued support and commitment to the success of the NYSC scheme in the state.

Gombe Gov. urges corps members to support state devt

Continue Reading

Trending

Verified by MonsterInsights