Boko Haram still in control of 2 Borno LGAs, says Zulum
Borno State governor, Babagana Zulum has cried out that two local government areas in his state, Abadam, and Guzamala, are still under the control of Boko Haram.
The governor’s disclosure came against the backdrop of repeated claims by the Federal Government that the insurgent group had been largely decimated to the extent that it could no longer hold on to any local government in terms of control.
This came as gunmen suspected to be bandits on Tuesday night, attacked Ancha village, Irigwe chiefdom of Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State, killing at least 18 persons.
This is even bandits, also on Tuesday night, abducted village head, two Burkinabes, and nine others in fresh Zamfara attacks.
Governor Zulum, who corroborated statements credited to the speaker of the Borno State House of Assembly, Abdulkarim Lawan, that 99 percent of communities of his local government area, Guzamala, are under the control of the sect, spoke when Chairman of the Senate Committee on Army, Senator Ali Ndume, led senators and top military officers on a courtesy call to Government House, Maiduguri.
Zulum said: “I am pleased to inform you that we have started witnessing the gradual return of peace, but more needs to be done because at present, Guzamala and Abadam Local Government Areas are still under the control of Boko Haram.
“Although the current service chiefs, the Theatre Commander, and, indeed, our General Officer Commanding, GOC, 7 Division are up and doing, we still have much to do.
“We want to commend the military and other para-military personnel for their gallant efforts to see to the end of terrorism in this part of the country.
“Unfortunately, the government and people of Borno State, especially those from southern and northern parts of the state, are worried over the increasing number of ISWAP groups who have been terrorizing their communities.
“Just few days ago, I received a security report that in some communities of Mandaragirau axis in Biu Local Government Area, there are reports that over 500 Boko Haram/ISWAP group have been converging with over 300 motorcycles and even celebrating parties/marriages among themselves without confrontation.
“ISWAP is more equipped, sophisticated, intelligent and dangerous as they grow from strength to strength. ISWAP is collecting taxes along major roads in Damboa and other axis in southern Borno. It is very unfortunate.
“But the good news is that about 11 local Government Areas of Gwoza, Bama, Marte, Monguno, Kaga, Gubio, Mafa, Dikwa, Ngala and host of others are becoming more peaceful than before, and this could be attributed to about 20,000 surrendered members of Boko Haram who are now in our custody.
“I want to use this opportunity to solicit for prayers from all and sundry for total restoration of peace not only in Borno State but also the country as a whole.’’
Ndume, earlier in his address, told the governor that they were in Borno to assess the security situation and thank the state government for its unflinching support towards restoration of peace and end of the carnage perpetrated by terrorists in the North-East.
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