Zulum visits Baga, addresses ISWAP threat, Says Terrorist weak, seeking cheap popularity
Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, visited Baga town in Kukawa Local Government Area on Sunday to address the recent threats by Islamic State West African Province (ISWAP) terrorists against residents.
During his visit, he engaged with military officials to strategize on preventing further displacement of communities and countering ISWAP’s propaganda, which has called for residents to flee Kukawa or face attacks.
Governor Zulum firmly stated, “No community has been displaced in the last four years, and under no circumstances will we allow Boko Haram to displace anyone again.”
He characterized the terrorists as “weak and seeking cheap popularity” and expressed confidence in the military’s capacity to manage the situation.
His discussions with the Theatre Commander, Brigade Commander, and Sector Commander in Baga and Cross-Kauwa reinforced his belief in the military’s strength to handle the issue.
Beyond addressing security concerns, Governor Zulum also focused on supporting local associations. He presented vehicles to the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) and the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) to enhance transportation facilities.
The vehicles distributed included seven golf saloon cars and ten tricycles to NURTW, and three golf saloon cars and five tricycles to RTEAN.
Additionally, 15 vehicles were provided to farmers and fish buyers to aid in transporting their produce and goods to markets.
The leaders of these associations expressed their gratitude for the governor’s ongoing support, highlighting its positive impact on the local economy.
In a bid to support agricultural activities, Governor Zulum visited farms to back the South Chad irrigation revival initiative. This initiative includes subsidizing fuel sales and providing farm inputs to encourage irrigation farming.
The governor also directed the Kukawa Local Government Chairman to compile a list of farmers for further support through the World Bank’s ACReSAL project.
The governor was accompanied by several officials on his trip, including Hon. Usman Jaha Babawo, Member of the House of Representatives representing Chibok, Damboa, and Gwoza Federal constituencies; Hon. Karta Maina Maaji Lawan, Member of the State House of Assembly representing Kukawa LGA; Hon. Sugun Mai Mele, Commissioner for Local Government and Emirate Affairs; and Hon. Bawu Bamusami, Commissioner for Agriculture. Other officials present were Hon. Aliyu Muhammad Buba Lawan, Commissioner of Transport and Energy; Barrister Mustapha Busuguma, Permanent Secretary, Government House, former Chief of Staff; and elders of Kukawa Local Government Area.
Governor Zulum’s visit to Baga underscores his administration’s commitment to maintaining security, supporting local associations, and promoting agricultural initiatives.
By addressing the ISWAP threat and bolstering local infrastructure and agricultural productivity, Zulum aims to foster resilience and economic growth in Borno State.
