Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum | File Image
By Mohammed Amed
Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, has said that peace was returning to Marte, the area hit by Boko Haram, recently.
Zulum returned to Marte on Thursday after spending a night in the community on Saturday.
The visit was part of the ongoing efforts to restore peace, rebuild trust and foster sustainable development in the Lake Chad region.
Zulum, who left Maiduguri last week, has been coordinating security logistics and building resilience among residents affected by the recent surge in Boko Haram attacks.
Since last Saturday, the governor has visited 9 communities of Marte, Kala-Balge, Wulgo, Ngala, Lugumani, Gajibo, Koibe, Dikwa and Ajiri.
During the visit, Governor Zulum held a meeting behind closed doors with military commanders aimed at servicing modalities for restoring peace in Marte and the surrounding communities.
“I am here to monitor the efficacy of our ‘re-resettlement’ of the residents we conducted a few days ago. I am very happy to note that the community is fully back, and soldiers are on ground. Normal economic activities have resumed in Marte,” Zulum said.
Also read: Boko Haram suspects kill senior Army officers, overrun Niger communities
He added, “I am very happy, and insha Allah, normalcy will be restored soon.”
The governor was accompanied by members representing Marte, Monguno and Nganzai constituencies at the House of Representatives, Engr Bukar Talba; Commissioner for Local Government and Emirate Affairs, Sugun Mai Mele; Commissioner for Agriculture, Engr Bawu Musami; Permanent Secretary of Government House, and Barr. Mustapha Ali Busuguma, among many senior officials.
On Sunday, Governor Zulum appealed to the Federal Government to deploy decisive strategies that would ensure that Marte town does not fall to Boko Haram/ISWAP insurgents.
But speaking to journalists in Marte town on Thursday, Governor Zulum commended the Federal Government and the military for responding to his call for the protection of Marte from falling to the insurgents.
He said, “The federal government and the Nigerian Armed Forces have responded positively to our request to enhance security in the affected communities. We have seen many troops deployed and many pieces of equipment deployed.
“I want to commend the Nigerian Armed Forces for the cooperation they have been giving us; without their support, we couldn’t have done much. I want, once again, to commend all stakeholders that have contributed to our search for peace and the restoration of normalcy.”
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