BY SADIQ ABUBAKAR, Maiduguri –
Borno State Governor Babagana Umara Zulum has revealed that Abadam and Guzamala Local Government Areas are still under the control of Boko Haram terrorists.
This followed the recent statement of the Speaker of Borno State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Abdulkarim Lawan who also hailed from Malam Fatori of Abadam LGA.
It will be recalled that recently Hon. Lawan told Journalists that 99% of communities of Guzamala Council area where he hailed from are under the control of Boko Haram.
Zulum however disclosed this when the Chairman, Senate Committee on Army, Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume led other senate committee members including National Assembly, military officers and clerks on a courtesy visit to the Government House to brief the governor on the committees mission in the state.
The governor also reiterated the ban on development partners from supplying food and non-food items to resettled communities in the state.
Zulum said; ” I am pleased to inform you that we have started witnessing gradual return of peace, but more need to be done, because, presently, 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 7 Division are up and doing. 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, 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 groups have been converging with over 300 motorcycles and even celebrating parties/marriages amongst themselves without confrontation.
“ISWAP are more equipped, sophisticated, intelligent and dangerous as they grow from strength to strength.
“ISWAP are 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 the country as a whole.” Zulum said
Senator Ndume earlier in his address told the governor that they were in Borno to assess the security situation and to thank Borno State Government for its unflinching support towards restoration of peace and end the carnage perpetrated by terrorists in the north east region.
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