BREAKING: Governor Zulum Faults Army As Insurgents Attack Borno After Cameroonian Troops’ Withdrawal
Governor Babagana Umara Zulum of Borno State has mobilised members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (JTF) and Nigerian troops to Kirawa, a border town in Gwoza Local Government Area, following the withdrawal of Cameroonian soldiers that left the community vulnerable to Boko Haram attacks.
The insurgents stormed the town earlier in the week, killing residents, razing houses, and destroying property worth millions.
The Genius Media Nigeria reports that during an assessment visit on Friday, Zulum lamented the incessant terrorist attacks on the border community and faulted the military for failing to act after he had earlier raised alarms.
“Yes, Cameroonian troops have withdrawn but that doesn’t mean that the Nigerian Army should leave the area vacant,” the Governor said.
“We resettled this town about seven years ago, with the support of Cameroonian soldiers. Unfortunately, returnees have now been displaced again by insurgents.
“I duly notified the Nigerian military of the dangers of leaving this town without security. This is a border community… Wilgo, Kirawa, Baga, Damasak, Malamfatori, among others, must be protected because of their strategic importance.”
Governor Zulum disclosed that the terrorists’ latest attack left two people dead, 50 houses destroyed, eight vehicles and heavy-duty equipment burnt.
“Thank God the casualties were not much,” he added.
Zulum said he had met with the Theatre Commander of the Nigerian Army and the Commander of the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), where it was resolved that soldiers would be redeployed to Kirawa in the shortest possible time.
“The second measure is to support our gallant civilian JTF and vigilante. I listened to them and we will provide the needed equipment to safeguard the town.
“Most importantly, we are looking into the possibility of deploying modern technological equipment to address insecurity in the area,” he said.
Addressing residents, Zulum urged them not to surrender their town to terrorists. “You need not panic. I see no reason why very few members of Boko Haram will come to defeat the entire community without resistance.
“I’m also pleading with the Nigerian military to be more committed, because what matters is not the number of soldiers we deploy here but how committed they are to fight back the terrorists,” he said.
The governor stressed the importance of sustained military operations, warning that long pauses embolden insurgents.
“Above all, we need military operations. Sometimes, operations were not conducted in Borno State, and that has been instrumental to the renewed insurgent attacks.
“We plead with the Federal Government and the Chief of Defence Staff to release funds and procure equipment so that the military operations should begin immediately, now that the rainy season is ending.
“But note this very important point: we need continuous military operations. We should not embark on operations for a few months and then slow down,” Zulum added.
He also reminded security authorities of the UN resolution that requires military operations to be followed by stabilisation, recovery, reconstruction, and resettlement.
Zulum warned that allowing Kirawa to fall again would endanger adjoining communities.
“Kirawa was never displaced seven years ago when security was worse. Now that the situation is better, I see no reason why it should be displaced.
“Once Kirawa is displaced, adjoining communities like Pulka and Ngoshe will follow, and gradually it will reach Gwoza local government headquarters. The main road will also be cut off,” the Governor said.
He admitted that the army suffers from manpower shortages but insisted that strategic border towns must not be abandoned.
The governor also thanked the Chief of Army Staff for his swift response after the attack.
