Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, on Sunday visited Ngoshe, about 40 kilometres from Gwoza, on an assessment tour to see for himself the level of damage caused by the recent armed bandits’ attack.

Babagana Zulum, who has embarked on a two-day confidence- and resilience-building tour to victims of recent Boko Haram attacks in Ngoshe and Pulka, disbursed cash and relief items to over 30,000 people affected by the incident.

Speaking to newsmen shortly after inspecting the affected community, the Governor described the level of destruction as shocking and heartbreaking.

According to him, “It is saddening to see this kind of devastation. In recent times, I have not witnessed such destruction. It is sheer madness, but Insha Allah, we shall build back better.”

He assured residents of Ngoshe in Gwoza Local Government Area that the government will rebuild homes and public infrastructure destroyed by the recent attacks, while intensifying security efforts to restore lasting peace in the area.

Babagana Zulum also said he had directed officials of the Ministry of Reconstruction, Rehabilitation and Resettlement to immediately assess the extent of the damage with a view to rehabilitating all burnt structures.

“I am here with representatives of the Ministry for Reconstruction, Rehabilitation and Resettlement, and I have directed them to assess the level of damage so that all the burnt infrastructure can be rehabilitated,” he said.

The Governor noted that the Federal Government, under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, had recently released funds to the Multinational Joint Task Force to boost military operations in the region.

“I am pleased to announce the support and funding recently released by the Federal Government of Nigeria, under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to the Multinational Joint Task Force for military operations in this general area,” he said.

He explained that the Mandara Hills remain a major stronghold for insurgents, stressing that the only effective response is to take the battle directly to them.

The Governor commended the military authorities, particularly the General Officer Commanding 7 Division and the Brigade Commander, for their renewed efforts in Ngoshe.

According to him, security presence in the area has now been significantly reinforced.

“The military has taken over Ngoshe again. They have increased the number of personnel in Ngoshe by 100 per cent, and I believe with what they have done so far, we will keep Ngoshe secure,” Zulum added.

Babagana Umara Zulum reaffirmed the commitment of both the Federal Government and the Borno State Government to decisively address the lingering security challenges in the state, assuring residents of Ngoshe that the town will not be allowed to fall back into the control of insurgents, Insha Allah.

Addressing troops of the 82 Division Task Force Battalion, Ngoshe, Zulum said efforts are ongoing to strengthen the military’s capacity.

“I want to assure you that the Federal Government of Nigeria, and indeed the Government of Borno State, in partnership with the Armed Forces, will do everything possible to contain the lingering security situation,” he said.

The Governor emphasised the strategic importance of Ngoshe, warning that its fall could have wider security implications for surrounding communities.

According to him, “Ngoshe is very important. The fall of Ngoshe would send a very bad signal to Pulka, Kirawa, Gwoza, and even Bama. We shall not allow this town to be taken over again by insurgents.”

Babagana Zulum was accompanied on the visit by Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume; member of the House of Assembly representing Gwoza, Hon. Abdullahi Buba Abatcha, Commissioner for Transport and Energy, Mohammed Lawan Buba; and the Commissioner for Local Government and Emirate Affairs, among other dignitaries. (TRIBUNE)