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  • Gov Zulum awards scholarship to children of killed civilian JTF

    Gov Zulum awards scholarship to children of killed civilian JTF

    Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, has approved scholarship for children of Civilian JTF, hunters, and vigilantes killed while fighting Boko Haram in the last seven years.

    This was contained in a statement by the state government titled, ‘Fighting Boko Haram: Zulum approves scholarship for orphans of Civilian JTF killed since 2013’.

    The statement quoted the governor as announcing the scholarships while addressing a gathering of about 9,000 volunteers who have been fighting alongside the Nigerian armed forces to contain Boko Haram insurgency in Borno.

    He said, “Our indomitable men and women of the civilian JTF, hunters and vigilantes, the people of Borno State are mightily and gratefully proud of each of you. Nothing can compensate for the sacrifices you are making. This is particularly so for many of our fellow compatriots who have died on the battlefields.

    In the last seven years, we have recorded instances in which volunteers in the civilian JTF have intercepted suicide attackers and in the process lost their lives. We have recorded more instances of many killed in major battles after they also succeeded in our shared victories over Boko Haram at different encounters.

    “These volunteers fought and died with no death benefits, no pension, and no gratuities. As we should expect, orphaned children and widows left behind by these fallen Civilian JTF and hunters have been struggling whether to feed, to access medical services, or to access basic and secondary education.

    “It is my honour to hereby announce that Borno State Government will award education scholarship to the most vulnerable orphans of Civilian JTF who have been killed at battlefronts.

    “This scholarship will be awarded in phases, starting with the youngest and most vulnerable families of the earliest fallen volunteers, down to the most recently killed.

    “The parents of these children died fighting for all of us, the people of Borno State, the very least we can do is work towards the future of their children.

    “For widows left behind, we shall today release some social intervention packages to them, especially food.”

  • Insurgency: Gov. Zulum donates N180m, foodstuffs to Civilian JTF

    Insurgency: Gov. Zulum donates N180m, foodstuffs to Civilian JTF

    Gov. Babagana Zulum of Borno has donated N180 million and 27,000 bags of grains to the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) assisting the military in the fight against insurgency.

    Zulum announced the donation on Wednesday in Maiduguri while addressing members of the CJTF.

    He also announced N50,000 welfare package for widows and scholarship for orphans of CJTF who lost their lives since 2013 in the fight against insurgency.

    He said: “Our indomitable men and women of the Civilian JTF, hunters and vigilantes, the people of Borno are mightily and gratefully proud of you.

    “Nothing can compensate for the sacrifices you are making; only Allah can adequately compensate each of you.

    “This is particularly so for many of our fellow compatriots who have died in the battle fields.

    “In the last seven years, we have recorded instances in which volunteers in the Civilian JTF have intercepted suicide attackers and in the process lost their lives.

    “We have recorded more instances of many killed in major battles after they also succeeded in our shared victories over Boko Haram at different encounters.

    “I will not mention names, but there are records of warriors in the Civilian JTF, hunters and vigilantes from southern to northern and central Borno.

    “They fought so hard and gave their lives fighting for Borno.’’

    Zulum noted that these volunteers fought and died with no death benefits, no pension, and no gratuities.

    “As we should expect, orphaned children and widows left behind by these fallen Civilian JTF and hunters have been struggling to feed, to access medical services, or to access basic and secondary education.

    “As governor of Borno, I assure you, that insha’Allah, all of those who died in the Civilian JTF, groups of hunters and vigilantes did not die in vain,” Zulum said.

    Reports had it that about 9,000 people in Borno were recruited into CJTF and are paid monthly stipend by the state government.

  • Borno NLC/TUC Condemns Multiple Attacks On Governor Zulum’s Convoy In Baga

    Borno NLC/TUC Condemns Multiple Attacks On Governor Zulum’s Convoy In Baga

    By Dauda R PamMaiduguri

    The Nigeria Labour Congress,NLC,and the TUC in Borno have expressed their heartfelt condolences to GOVERNOR BABAGANA UMARA ZULUM,and the good people of BORNO over the multiple ambush attacks on his convoy describing it as unfortunate and the handiwork of enemies of the state and Country at large.
    This was contained in a press  conference jointly addressed by the chairmen of the organized labour, NLC/TUC, Comrade Bulama Abiso and  Comrade Babayo Hamman, where they condemned in strong terms the  attacks on the convoy of  the Governor, held at the NLC house on Wednesday in Maiduguri.

    Addressing the press,the NLC chairman comrade Bulama Abiso, extended their heartfelt sympathy to His Excellency  and the good people of Borno State over the incidence and  described the the act as unfortunate and used the occasion to commiserate with the bereaved and their families.

    They called on the security forces to step up efforts in tackling the insecurity while commend their efforts in the fight against the insurgency.
    The NLC/TUC  also informed the press that it has constituted a committee that is comprised of civil society groups, students governments, charged with the responsibility to look inwards and  come up with  suggestions as a way out in order to curtail the escalating  emerging security threats within the Northeast states and Nigeria at large, to support efforts of the administration  in resettling the internally displaced persons , IDPs, to their ancestral homes to pick the piece and pieces of their livelihoods.

  • Borno police command confirms the death of 11 security operatives on the convoy of Borno governor along Monguno-Cross Kauwa road

    Borno police command confirms the death of 11 security operatives on the convoy of Borno governor along Monguno-Cross Kauwa road

    By Dauda R Pam Maiduguri

    The Borno state Police command has confirmed the ambush attack on the state governor’s convoy, Prof Babagana Umara Zulum, resulting to the death of 11 security operatives made up of 8  Policemen  and 3 civilian JTF along Monguno – Cross Kauwa Road Baga on Friday.

    The Public Relations Officer, Borno state Command, DSP Edet Okon,in a statement on behalf of the state commissioner of Police said,
    eight policemen and three members of the Civilian Joint Task Force died in the encounter while, thirteen other persons sustained various degrees of injuries and have been rushed to a health facility for treatment.

    He said the  incident occurred at about noon, when the security convoy which was heading to Baga, in respect of government’s effort to relocate the indigenes to their ancestral home, came under heavy gun attack by armed men, suspected to be Boko Haram, a few kilometers from Cross Kauwa.

    According to him the security convoy returned fire for fire and successfully repelled the attack with casualties recorded on both sides.

    The Borno commissioner of Police, Bello Makwashi, has since re-assured members of the public that the Nigeria Police force is determined to carry out its constitutional responsibility of protecting lives and properties, and will not relent in providing the needed security for the citizens of Borno State at all times.

  • BOSG to build befitting house and n20m cash for upkeep of late Col. D.C Bako’s widow and orphans.

    BOSG to build befitting house and n20m cash for upkeep of late Col. D.C Bako’s widow and orphans.

    Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum of BORNO state,Tuesday,announced a cash donation of N20m and a  befitting house  to the widow and orphans of,late Col. Dahiru Chiroma Bako,who died from wounds sustained in the fronline while battling boko haram terrorists who ambushed the Commander’s troop on Sunday morning. 

    The governor, who paid glowing tributes also described ,Col.DC Bako,as a fallen warrior, who until his death,was the Commander  25 Task Force Brigade of Operation Lafiya Dole in charge of Damboa and surrounding axis in southern Borno. 
    He died at a military hospital in Maiduguri on Monday. 

    It was at the burial rites of the late Commander in MAIDUGURI military cemetry ,that  GOVERNOR Zulum,paid glowing tribute and announced a house and cash donation to the family of the deceased. 
    “Indeed it is a very sad moment, this is not a loss to the family of Late Col. Dahiru Chiroma Bako alone, not to the Nigerian Military, it is a loss to Borno and indeed Nigeria.” 
    “Col. Bako was a gallant and dogged military officer, under whose watch Damboa was never defeated. He is humble and committed in discharging his duties, he is part of the success recorded in degrading boko haram insurgency in Borno State.” 
    “He has been one of the greatest in trying to stabilize not only Borno but even the neighbouring Yobe State. We will remember his contributions forever, may almighty Allah reward him, and forgive him.” 
    “To his family, may Allah give them fortitude to bear this irreparable lost and to all the soldiers and officers of the Nigerian Military that lost their lives, may Almighty Allah reward and forgive them. The injured ones we pray for their quick recovery.” 
    “I am reliably informed that Col. Bako did not have a house of his own. We cannot ignore the family he left behind. We share their grief and nothing can equal his life. Nevertheless, I am pleased to announce that Borno State Government will build a befitting house for the family of late Col. Bako. I was also told that the Nigerian Army under the distinguished leadership of Lt. General Tukur Yusuf Buratai has offered a scholarship to his children, we will also support the family to compliment the efforts of the military.”
    “For the welfare of his family, Borno State Government will relase the sum of 20 million as support for them.

    Zulum described the Commander as one who inspired his troops and led them in the frontline with exceptional courage which was clearly out of pure patriotism.

  • Zulum – All Hands Must Be On Deck To Salvage Our Country From Terrorist

    Zulum – All Hands Must Be On Deck To Salvage Our Country From Terrorist

    Governor Babagana Umara Zulum of BORNO,Monday, said all hands must be on deck to salvage BORNO state,the NorthEast and the entire country from the hands of the dreaded unrepentant bokoharam terrorists that have continued to unleash havoc in the state.
    Receiving in audience President and members of Alumni Association of National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies,AANI,who paid him a solidarity visit at  government house, ZULUM,attributed the menace to the  porous borders between the state and the three Neighbouring countries of Niger, Chad and Cameron, was responsible for proliferation of fire arms used by the insurgents.
    According to him,lack of proper manning of these international borders by security agencies, the 11-year old crisis which has continued to  linger in Borno and the North East sub region would continue unabated if proper attention is taken.
    The lingering Boko Haram crisis has led to the untimely death of unspecified number of gallant troops as well as innocent civilians which has also devastated several infrastructures.

    “All hands must be on deck to salvage Borno, the entire north east and the country from the hands of the unrepentant armed insurgents”,he said.
    He said that, his administration will continue to do its best in supporting the military and para- military in the fight against Boko Haram and other terrorists activities across the state.
    Prof.Zulum,who is also a member of AANI, expressed appreciation on behalf of government and the people of the state for the visit to sympathize with him over the demise of his Chief of Staff, Dr. Babagana Wakil and what befell his convoy recently,which ran into attack by unknown gunmen around Baga town axis.
    Hear him,”On behalf of Government and People of Borno state, I want to express our appreciation to AANI for the visit, specifically to your branches in Yobe and Borno for their unflinching support to my administration.
    ” We are very grateful for coming to identify with Borno in our trying moment. The atrocities posed by insurgents have led to the killing of unspecified number of security operatives and our innocent civilians with devastation of infrastructures.
    “Notwithstanding, with your support from all and sundry, we are going to defeat the insurgents Insha Allah (By God Grace).”
    Earlier, the President of AANI, IGP Mohammed Abubakar (Rtd) told the governor that his association is a registered body comprising of eminent members drawn from different segments of the society whose objective is to promote the ideals of a better society.
    AANI,IGP Abubakar,noted with regrets and is deeply concerned with the security challenges facing Borno State Government, particularly the recent upsurge in attacks by insurgents and however, commended the doggedness of the Governor for his foresight, as the present administration has actively implemented numerous people oriented projects and programs in the areas of health, education, poverty alleviation, women and youth empowerment among others, which have direct bearing on the wellbeing of the people in the state.
    Abubakar also said his association deem it necessary to undertake this solidarity visit in order to show Nigerians and the World that Governor Zulum is not alone in repositioning Borno to a greater height. 
    In a related development, Governor Zulum has inaugurated a 23- member committee for the relocation of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) to Baga town.
    Baga, is a fishing community located on the fringes of the Lake Chad which has been deserted for over two years due to activities of insurgents.
    The Committee has the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Barrister Kaka Shehu Lawan,as Chairman and Permanent Secretary Ministry of Reconstruction, Rehabilitation and Resettlement (RRR), Engineer Abba Yusuf as Secretary.
    The governor said, the inauguration and relocation was sequel to a letter sent to the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Tukur Yusuf Buratai,demanding for the  immediate resettlement of all IDPs of Baga commencing on the 26th September 2020 stressing that government will not hesitate in releasing funds for reconstruction of destroyed infrastructures and road networks of Monguno -Cross Kauwa-Baga town, and as to also provide palliatives to all returnees.
    He therefore charged the Committee to ensure dignified and safety return of all IDPs, as government is doing everything possible to support them start a new live.
    Responding, the Chairman of the Committee, Barrister Kaka Shehu Lawan promised to work assiduously to ensure safe return of IDPs to Baga town within the stipulated time frame. 

  • Gov Zulum tells Air Force to Scale up bombing of hideouts

    Gov Zulum tells Air Force to Scale up bombing of hideouts

    The Borno State Governor has identified some locations on the shores of the Lake Chad as headquarters of Boko Haram and other insurgent groups.

    In a visit to the Air Force headquarters, Babagana Zulum called on the chief of the air staff to scale up bombing of the location. It is his first formal visit to the Nigerian Air Force headquarters Abuja and Governor of Borno state is resolute on his demands.

    In his response, the Air Chief is emphatic new equipment are coming in for the air force and it’s operations will be taken a notch higher.

  • Boko Haram: Gov. Zulum urges military to change strategies

    Boko Haram: Gov. Zulum urges military to change strategies

    Gov. Babagana Zulum of Borno has urged the Nigerian Armed Forces to change strategies in the ongoing fight against Boko Haram to facilitate successful implementation of the counter insurgency campaign.

    Mr Isa Gusa, the Special Adviser to the governor on Public Relations and Strategy, quoted Zulum as saying this in a statement on Wednesday in Maiduguri.

    Gusau said the governor made the call when President Muhammadu Buhari paid a sympathy visit to the Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Abubakar El-Kanemi, over the insurgents’ mayhem in Auno community.

    The attack claimed 30 lives, 18 vehicles and several houses.

    He quoted the governor, who acknowledged the successes recorded by the military in the past three years, as calling for new tactics to check resurgence of insurgents’ activities in the state.

    “Your Excellency; between March 2019 to date, we have started witnessing horrific and spontaneous attacks by the insurgents which has resulted into the loss of lives and properties of our people.

    “We are calling upon the Nigerian military to change strategies and we can borrow a leaf from the success our military was able to hugely record in the years 2016 and 2017 with a view to ending the insurgency.

    “We need to keep taking the war to enclaves of the insurgents in the fringes of the Lake Chad Basin, Sambisa Forest and some notable areas,” Zulum was quoted as saying in the statement.

    The governor, however, commended the president for his commitment to ending the insurgency and his consistent empathy to the people of the state.

    “Let me appreciate Mr President for associating with us at this our very trying moment. I am so surprised that we have forgotten the past,” he said.

    Zulum who noted that although he could not ignore the current unfortunate situation, added that “the people of the state still remember the days before Buhari’s emergence, when 20 out of the 27 local government areas were in the hands of Boko Haram while all the five routes into Borno state were largely inaccessible with exception of Maiduguri-Kano road.

    “In addition to sporadic bombings and killings in the state capital, Maiduguri.

    “Close to about 20 local government areas resettled under Buhari. In fact, in the year 2016/2017 we celebrated the demise of the Boko Haram insurgency that has unfortunately returned.”

    The statement also quoted Buhari as reiterating his commitment to end insurgency, fight corruption and lead the country to economic recovery.

    The president called on the people of Borno to continue to cooperate with and support the military and other security agencies to end insurgency. (NAN)

  • Gov. Zulum urges refugee commission to prioritise resettlement of IDPs

    Gov. Zulum urges refugee commission to prioritise resettlement of IDPs

    Gov. Babagana Zulum of Borno has called on the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI), to accord priority to the resettlement of displaced persons.

    Mr Isa Gusa, the Special Adviser to the governor on Public Relations and Strategy, stated this in a statement on Thursday in Maiduguri.

    He disclosed that the governor made the appeal when the Federal Commissioner of the commission, Sen. Basheer Mohammed, paid him a courtesy visit at the Government House, Maiduguri.

    He quoted the governor as saying that the commission should focus on creating permanent settlement for displaced persons rather than official IDPs camps.

    Zulum stressed the need to move from the proliferation of IDPs camps to a durable solution through the establishment of permanent settlement and provision of livelihood to the displaced persons in safe areas.

    “We are happy with your interventions; however, we request you not to focus on IDPs camps rather on stabilisation for the IDPs.

    “I mean contributing in the construction of resettlement houses, which could be allocated to households as their permanent places of abode, and we provide means of livelihood to sustain them.

    “As a government; we are moving from the phase of enhancing IDPs camps to the resettlement, and by resettlement, I do not mean building houses elsewhere, the houses could be located near the camps, we will provide the land,” Zulum said.

    The governor added that his administration had established an agency to enhance coordination of humanitarian interventions, check duplication and streamline government’s policies and programmes.

    The statement also quoted Mohammed as saying that Qatari Foundation had indicated interest to build a settlement for the displaced persons.

    Mohammed appealed to the state government to provide land, to facilitate execution of the project.

    He added that the commission had provided vocational and skills acquisition training to a number of displaced persons, to enable them to learn trades and become self-reliant. (NAN)