Zulum to build staff quarters and revamp Borno school structures
Gov. Babagana Zulum of Borno State has outlined a multifaceted plan to rejuvenate the education sector, which includes building teachers’ quarters and renovating dilapidated schools. Zulum, rolled out the plan at a high-level meeting with key stakeholders in the education sector to review current challenges and outline fresh directives for improving learning outcomes, infrastructure, and coordination across the state. The governor emphasised the need for synergy among education agencies to ensure effective service delivery, noting that collaboration was key to addressing the sector’s challenges. Zulum ordered the establishment of additional High Islamic Colleges in selected local government areas. The colleges, he said, would integrate traditional Islamic studies with literacy, numeracy, modern sciences, and vocational training. According to him, the initiative is aimed at mainstreaming the non-formal education sector into the formal system, targeting Almajiri pupils and providing a second chance for out-of-school children who have exceeded the official enrolment age. The governor also directed the establishment of state libraries in Biu, southern Borno, and Monguno, in the northern part of the state, in addition to the upgraded Maiduguri library. “Deliberately, I upgraded the Maiduguri library, with the aim of establishing another one in Biu and one in Monguno in order to promote reading culture, which is fast eroding. “ I want you to rejuvenate the reading culture by ensuring the library is effective. But most importantly, apart from the physical books, let’s put a mechanism for e-books in place,” Zulum said.
Obi praises Zulum’s dedication, laments growing insecurity in Borno.
The 2023 Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party, Mr Peter Obi has decried the rising insecurity in Borno, lauding Gov. Babagana Zulum for his commitment in handling the challenge. Obi, a former governor of Anambra, in his X handle on Tuesday, said that the security situation in the Marte area of the state is unsettling and called for emergency action. According to him, the apparent commitment of Zulum, who had courageously relocated to the troubled area is laudable. “The security situation in Borno state is concerning and very unsettling. “What is happening in the Marte area of the state is not just a local emergency; it is a national alarm bell that must not be ignored. “Zulum, by choosing to spend the night in a town under threat, has once again, demonstrated what leadership should look like; present, proactive, and people-centred. “His courage is not for commendation alone; it is a challenge to those in authority to match words with decisive action,” he said. Obi said everything possible must be done to support the state and prevent an entire local government from falling into the hands of terrorists. He revealed that over 300 communities are exposed, while more than 20,000 of them were displaced yet again. He explained that these were not just numbers, they are families, children, and communities whose hopes are hanging by a thread. He said that Zulum had raised critical concerns that insurgents were regrouping around Lake Chad and the Mandara Hills; that Marte is on the verge of collapsing and that the window for action is closing. “These are facts. And it is not enough to acknowledge them; we must respond with urgency and sincerity. “We cannot afford to continue this culture of delayed response and distant governance. “Our security forces need reinforcements, our displaced citizens need protection, We must show the will to act swiftly and consistently. “I have always maintained that Nigeria works best when leadership is driven by compassion, competence and courage. and Zulum had shown all three,” he added. He stressed that this is not about politics, but the people, and about protecting the soul of our nation.
Boko Haram Attack in Borno, Patrol Vehicles and Tanks Destroyed
As Nigerians pray for an ending to the menace, Boko Haram terrorists struck again on Sunday night in Kawuri village, Konduga LG, Borno state, leaving tails of woe. They set fire to three patrol vehicles of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) and three military armored tanks. Residents fled to the bush as the military confronted the attackers. The troops pushed back the terrorists, and no casualties were reported during the fight. However, the attackers planted explosives on the Konduga-Kawuri road to block reinforcements. On Tuesday morning, while navigating the route, CJTF member Abba Godori accidentally triggered one of the devices and lost his life. Efforts to reach the police for confirmation were unsuccessful, but a retired community member confirmed the renewed attacks in the area.
1,900 settlements, ICT Centre unveiled for survivors in Monguno
On Friday, Annet Günther, the German ambassador to Nigeria, opened 1,900 resettlement homes and an ICT (information and communications technology) center for the survivors in Borno’s Monguno Local Government Area. Reports indicate that the two projects were built by the international partners in collaboration with the Borno and the German government. Speaking at the inauguration, Günther commended Gov. Babagana Zulum of Borno for the initiatives which she said would have great impact on communities affected by insurgency. “This housing project is a shining example of collaboration between the Borno State Government and international partners. “Funding for the housing units comes from both the state government and international donors,” the German ambassador said. READ ALSO: AfCFTA is determined to minimise intra-Africa trade barriers – Sec-Gen Also speaking, Elsie Attafuah, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Country Representative, said the projects align with UNDP’s regional stabilisation efforts aimed at restoring peace and stability in the Lake Chad region. Earlier, Zulum stated that the housing estate consists of 1,000 Two-Bedroom Low-cost houses and 900 Sese-Permanent Shelters. The governor said that the houses would be distributed to 1,874 households selected from 18 communities who had been living in IDP camps for years. Zulum said that the German government funded the construction of 500 permanent housing units in 2020 and added 900 semi-permanent shelters in 2023. According to him, the Borno government built another 500 houses and provided complementary amenities such as a health centre and solar-powered boreholes. “A Letter of Agreement (LOA) was signed in 2020 under the RS German Initiative to kick-start the construction of 500 houses. “In 2023, another LOA was signed under the RSF German reintegration funds, enabling the completion of the 500 housing units, 900 semi-permanent shelters, and the installation of 375 solar streetlights,” the governor said. He added that the efforts would support the voluntary decongestion and eventual closure of IDP camps in Monguno, enabling smoother reintegration of displaced families in their ancestral homes. Zulum expressed gratitude to the Governments of Germany, the UK, Sweden, the Netherlands, Egypt, and the European Union for their continued support, as well as to UNDP for its unwavering partnership in stabiliSing the region. Other dignitaries at the ceremony included the Egyptian Ambassador to Nigeria, Mohammed Foud; Sen. Mohammed Monguno; the Deputy Humanitarian Coordinator, Esty Sotyoko; and Mathew Alao, head of the UNDP office in Maiduguri. Traditional rulers, community leaders, and residents of Monguno also attended the event
FG Responds to Maiduguri Floods
The Minister of Environment, Mallam Balarabe Abbas Lawal, has addressed the severe flooding that has impacted various states across Nigeria. The floods, attributed to unusual rainfall patterns and ongoing climate change, have displaced over 1 million people and caused extensive property damage. The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) reports that the flooding has led to substantial humanitarian challenges, with significant economic losses. In response, the Federal Ministry of Environment had previously issued flood awareness directives to state governments and relevant agencies, including early warnings for high-risk areas. The Alau Dam flooding, in particular, has devastated communities in Borno State, prompting urgent collaborative recovery efforts. The Ministry continues to work with state authorities and international partners to address the crisis and support affected individuals. The public is advised to relocate from flood-prone areas, follow evacuation orders, and stay informed through official channels. The Ministry remains committed to mitigating the impacts of flooding and enhancing community resilience. For further updates, residents are encouraged to adhere to safety guidelines and report any incidents of flooding.
Menace of Boko Haram: Hunger Looms – Sen Ndume
Sen Ali Ndume, has raised the alarm saying, members of the Boko Haram terrorist group have resulted to looting immature crops of farmers in Borno state without any confrontation from security agencies.
‘We Are In A State Of War’ — Army On Borno Suicide Bombings
The Nigerian Army has declared that the recent bombings in Borno State signify that Nigeria is slipping into a state of war. This was revealed in a statement by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Edward Buba, on Tuesday. He recounted the tragic events that led to multiple deaths in the Gworza Local Government Area of Borno State over the weekend. Buba detailed the terror attacks, which involved multiple Person-Borne Improvised Explosive Devices (PBIED), commonly known as suicide bombings, all occurring on Saturday, June 29, 2024. The first attack happened around 3:00 PM, when a female suicide bomber, disguised as a beggar, detonated an explosive device at a wedding reception on Mararaba Hausari Street. Shortly after, around 5:00 PM, as efforts were underway to stabilize and transport the initial casualties to the hospital, a second female suicide bomber detonated another device on the same street, close to the first explosion site. In response, troops immediately imposed a curfew on the community to keep residents indoors and prevent further casualties. However, while enforcing the curfew, a third explosion targeted the troops. “The third explosion targeted the troops enforcing the curfew. The troops were attacked from behind by a third woman strapped with an IED vest, killing a soldier and two members of the hybrid forces,” Buba explained. A fourth incident was averted when a suspect was identified early and detonated the bomb prematurely, resulting in only her death. In total, 20 people were killed, and 52 sustained various injuries and are receiving treatment. Buba emphasized that the armed forces regard every life lost, whether civilian or military, as a significant tragedy. “The sad loss of lives is a tragedy for society, the community, and the nation,” he said. On behalf of the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen CG Musa, and all officers and members of the armed forces, Buba extended condolences to the victims’ families and those needing healing and recovery. He explained that the terrorists’ actions are a response to recent military successes that have weakened their leadership, resources, and influence. “The terrorists embarked on these cowardly attacks against innocent citizens to project an image of strength to cover their weakness and decline,” Buba noted. He urged citizens to see through the terrorists’ tactics and remain vigilant and united, supporting the armed forces’ efforts to ensure a secure and peaceful future. “The fate of the terrorists that perpetrated this insecurity will be violent and short, as troops will stop at nothing to take them out of the battlefield,” Buba concluded.
Troops counter Boko Haram attack in Borno, eliminate insurgents
A successful counter-operation by the Joint Task Force North East Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) has resulted in the thwarting of a Boko Haram terrorist attack, leading to the neutralization of two militants in Konduga LGA, Borno State. In an official statement released to journalists, Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu, the army spokesman, provided insights into the operation. The ambush was meticulously executed at a known crossing point for the terrorists called Kuka. General Nwachukwu highlighted the troops’ strategically advantageous position, enabling them to engage the unsuspecting Boko Haram members in a fierce firefight. A swift and coordinated action led to the neutralization of two terrorists, causing the others to disperse in panic. The aftermath of the operation yielded substantial gains for the troops. They successfully secured 63 rounds of 12.7mm ammunition, an improvised explosive device (IED) shell, five Pento injections, and a cash sum of Nineteen Thousand, Four Hundred and Sixty Naira. In a closely linked incident that underscores the mounting pressure on Boko Haram, a notorious member of the group surrendered to the 222 Battalion stationed at Geizuwa, also in Konduga LGA. The surrendered insurgent relinquished an AK47 rifle, a magazine, and 26 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition. Currently undergoing detailed profiling, the surrendered individual’s actions and affiliations will be further scrutinized. Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, the Chief of Army Staff, lauded the troops for their unwavering vigilance and remarkable combat spirit. He urged them to sustain their current momentum, emphasizing the vital objective of completely eradicating any remnants of terrorists and bandits within their operational jurisdiction.
Subsidy Removal: Zulum releases 80 vehicles to cushion effect
Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno on Tuesday released 80 vehicles to ease the high cost of transportation for farmers caused by the withdrawal of subsidy. A statement in Maiduguri by Special Adviser on Media and Strategy, Mallam Isa Gusau, said the vehicle compressed 50 buses and 30 pick-up vans to convey farmers to their farms for free. “To reduce the high cost of living caused by the withdrawal of fuel subsidy, Governor Babagana Umara Zulum, on Tuesday, released 80 buses and pick-up vans for free transportation of farmers. “The 80 means of transport will comprise 50 luxurious buses to be allocated from the fleet of the Borno Express Corporation, while the 30 pick-up vans will be hired by the state government. “Due to the removal of fuel subsidy which although has a long-term benefit, cost of transportation has increased. “Therefore, Borno State Government has decided to provide 50 buses and 30 pick-up vans to convey farmers to their farmlands this rainy season,” Gusau quoted Zulum as saying. The governor also addressed farmers along Maiduguri – Damboa Road, urging them to cooperate with the military and other security agencies deployed along the road to protect them. He also expressed gratitude to the military and other security agencies for their sacrifices in protecting the people.