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Tag: Gov Zulum

  • Gov Zulum sacks two commissioners, appoints new education chairman

    Gov Zulum sacks two commissioners, appoints new education chairman

     Babagana Umara Zulum, the Borno State Governor, has relieved two commissioners of their duties in a cabinet reshuffle announced on Thursday.

    TheNewsGuru.com(TNG) reports that governor’s spokesperson, Dauda Iliya, the affected officials are Engr. Emat Kois, Commissioner for Environment, and Hon. Tukur Ibrahim, Commissioner for Intergovernmental and Special Duties.

    Governor Zulum thanked the former commissioners for their service and wished them well in their future endeavours.

    The governor immediately named Engr. Mohammed Habib and Ibrahim Hala Hassan as replacements for the dismissed commissioners. Their appointments have been forwarded to the Borno State House of Assembly for confirmation.

    In a related development, Governor Zulum approved the appointment of Professor Yusuf Gana Balami as the Executive Chairman of the Borno State Secondary Education Board.

    Balami, a Professor of Educational Psychology from Hawul in southern Borno, began his career at the Borno State Ministry of Education in 1984 before joining the University of Maiduguri as a graduate assistant. He rose to the rank of professor in 2014.

    A member of several professional bodies with numerous academic publications, Balami was tasked by the governor to leverage his experience as both an administrator and scholar to improve the state’s secondary education system.

    The statement confirmed that all new appointments have been communicated to the Borno State House of Assembly for legislative approval.

  • Renewed Boko Haram attacks: Gov Zulum raises alarm, says “we’re fast losing ground”

    Renewed Boko Haram attacks: Gov Zulum raises alarm, says “we’re fast losing ground”

     

    Governor Babagana Zulum has broken his silence, insisting that the renewed Boko Haram attacks and kidnappings in many communities almost on daily basis without confrontation signalled that Borno State is losing ground.

    The governor stated this on Tuesday at a Special Expanded Security Meeting (ESM) attended by the General Officer Commanding 7 Div, Major General Abubakar Haruna, Sector Commanders, Commissioner of Police, heads of other security agencies, Shehu of Borno, Alh. Dr. Abubakar Garbai Al-Amin El-Kanemi, Shehu of Bama, Emirs of Biu, Uba, Askira, Gwoza, while Shehu of Dikwa- and Emir of Shani were in absentia.

    He said his administration has been very supportive of the military in the fight against Boko Haram and other terrorists leading to relative peace in the last three years.

    Zulum, however, lamented that the recent attacks and dislodgement of military formations in Wajirko, Sabon Gari in Damboa local government, Wulgo in Gamboru Ngala, Izge in Gwoza local government areas among other related killings of innocent civilians and security agencies calls for serious concern and a set back in the fragile state of Borno and the North East region.

    In his opening remarks, the governor commended the Federal Government under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu and the security agencies for their unwavering support in the fight against Boko Haram.

    He noted that more efforts have to be put in place through equipping and deploying of technological warfare to the military to stem the tide of all renewed attacks bedevilling parts of the Sahelian Borno which shares an international border with three African countries of Chad, Niger and Cameroon.

    “As I address this important gathering today, it is unfortunate that the renewed Boko Haram attacks and kidnappings in many communities almost on a daily basis without confrontation signalled that Borno State is losing ground,” he stated.

    “As you are all aware my administration has been very supportive of the military and other security agencies in the fight against Boko Haram and other terrorists leading to relative peace in the last three years, it is disheartening to note the recent attacks and dislodgement of military formations in Wajirko, Sabon Gari in Damboa local government, Wulgo in Gamboru Ngala, Izge in Gwoza local government areas among other related killing of innocent civilians and security agencies calls for serious concern, and it is a set back in the fragile state of Borno and the North East region.

    In as much as Borno Government under my leadership commend the federal government under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the security agencies for their unwavering support in the fight against Boko Haram, more efforts have to be put in place through equipping and deploying of technological warfare to the military to stem the tide of all renewed attacks bedevilling parts of the sahelian Borno which shares international border with three African countries of Chad, Niger and Cameroon.”

    Also contributing on behalf of the traditional rulers, the Shehu of Borno, hailed security agencies in the fight against terrorism, but emphasized that about three local government areas of Guzamala, Marte, Abbadam and some parts of Mobbar are still under the total control of Boko Haram, stressing that, most of these communities are without civil authority.

    He also called on the Federal Government to reconstruct the dilapidated and deplorable Biu-Damboa-Maiduguri, Maiduguri-Dikwa-Ngala, Maiduguri-Monguno-Kukawa, and Biu-Damaturu federal roads, among others.

    At the time of filing this report, the security meeting is still ongoing.

  • Killing of 40 farmers: Angry Gov Zulum condemns attack, asks military to fish out perpetrators

    Killing of 40 farmers: Angry Gov Zulum condemns attack, asks military to fish out perpetrators

    Governor Babagana Zulum has condemned terrorists’ attack in the Dumba community, near Baga in the Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State.

    The governor condemned the attack which claimed at least 40 farmers and fishermen on Sunday and called on the officers and men of Operation Hadin Kai to track and obliterate the insurgent elements that are operating at Dumba and other similar enclaves in the Lake Chad Area.

    The attack was said to have been carried out by Boko Haram and ISWAP elements operating in the area.

    Zulum commiserated with the victims and their families and assured them that those still missing would be found and reunited with their families.

    In a statement by the state’s Commissioner of Information and Internal Security, Usman Tar, the governor said, “With deep sorrow and anguish, I received the sad news of the attack on Dumba where scores of our farmers and fishermen were killed by the terrorists.

    “On behalf of the government, I sympathise with the victims’ families. Let me assure the citizens of Borno that this matter will be thoroughly investigated for further necessary action.

    “Let me use this opportunity to call on the armed forces to track and deal decisively with the perpetrators of this heinous act of violence against our innocent citizens.

    It was observed that the farmers strayed off the security corridor established by the security agencies, and went into an enclave that is yet to be cleared. Such enclaves are usually prone to nocturnal attacks by marauding terrorists, as well as being contaminated with landmines.”

    The governor called on citizens not to venture beyond the safety zones that are demarcated by the government and security agencies.

  • Borno flood disaster: Northern Senators condoles with Gov Zulum

    Borno flood disaster: Northern Senators condoles with Gov Zulum

    The Northern Senators Forum on Thursday condole with Borno State Government over recent flood disaster.

    This was contained in a statement signed by Sen Abdulaziz Musa Yar’Adua
    Chairman Northern Senators Forum stating that:

    “On behalf of the Northern Senators Forum, I extend our deepest condolences to the people and government of Borno State over the loss of lives and property resulting from the collapse of the Alau Dam.

    “Our thoughts are with the families of the victims and those displaced by this devastating flood.

    “We appreciate the prompt visit by Vice President Kashim Shettima to assess the situation and provide leadership during this challenging time. His swift response demonstrates the government’s commitment to supporting affected communities.

    “We also commend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving 3 billion naira for each state to address flood and disaster relief efforts. This timely intervention will go a long way in alleviating the suffering of affected citizens.

    “We urge all states to take responsibility and develop strategic plans to address climate change and prevent further environmental disasters. The Senate will continue to pursue legislation and policies that mitigate the effects of environmental disasters and promote sustainable development.

    “We stand in solidarity with the people of Borno State and assure them of our support during this difficult period.

  • Zulum condemns killing of farmers by ISWAP insurgents in Borno

    Zulum condemns killing of farmers by ISWAP insurgents in Borno

    Borno State governor, Babagana Zulum has expressed shock and sadness over the killing of eight farmers in Mafa Local Government Area of the State by the Islamic State of the West African Province (ISWAP).

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the killing occurred in Shuwarin, Tomsu Ngamdu, Baram Karauwa and Muna on Thursday at about 1 pm while the farmers were working on their farms.

    Zulum, who visited Mafa, described the attack as unfortunate.

    He said the state government would partner with security agencies to deploy more soldiers to secure farmlands.

    “The state government will immediately convene a Security Council meeting to come up with ways of ensuring adequate security for farmers.

    “The government will also inaugurate the Agro Rangers team, comprising the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, the Army, the Civilian Joint Task Force and hunters to protect farmers,” he said.

    He said that food insecurity was a worse crisis than Boko Haram, noting that the government would do everything to ensure that the people have access to their farmlands.

    Earlier, a witness, Yarima Goni, told Zulum that ISWAP terrorists who rode on motorcycles attacked farmlands with AK-47 rifles.

    Another witness, Malam Bukar Grema, told the governor that three victims of the attack were buried in the Shuwarin community.

    “Most of the victims had their hands tied behind them.

    “We recovered their bodies at about 8:30 am on Friday and prayer was held for them at about 10:00 am,” he said.

    Shereef Goni, another witness, said five more victims were recovered in Tomsu Ngamdu, adding that a 15-year-old boy was spared by the insurgents.

    Goni added that ten other victims were kidnapped by the terrorists during the attack.

  • Gov Zulum at Easter: Prays for better performance in 2nd term

    Gov Zulum at Easter: Prays for better performance in 2nd term

    Governor Babagana Umara Zulum has felicitated with Christians in Borno State and the rest of Nigeria on the ongoing Easter festival.

    Zulum, in his message released by his spokesman, Malam Isa Gusau, urged citizens in Borno State to pray for the full restoration of peace in the state and to also pray that the second term of his administration will be guided by God to deliver on hundreds of infrastructural projects, programmes and policies that will improve living standards in ways that will far surpass what was achieved during the governor’s first term that will soon end on May 29, 2023.

    Below is Zulum’s message as quoted in Gusau’s statement:

    “On behalf of Borno State Government, I heartily felicitate with our Christian brothers and sisters in Borno and across Nigeria at this Easter season.”

    “I urge security agencies to sustain their good efforts in preserving security during the festivities and far beyond.”

    “I call on all celebrants to make sacrifices in reaching out to family members, friends, neighbours and other community members who might be in need of help.”

    “As we round up our first term, I want to specially request that all the good people of Borno State commit our second term to prayers by devoutly asking God to guide us towards the full restoration of peace, towards the safe resettlement of citizens still displaced, towards the reviving of means of livelihoods across all communities previously affected by insurgents’ destructions and the strengthening of economies in areas less affected by attacks in all senatorial zones.”

    “I also seek prayers that God guides us to undertake hundreds of meaningful infrastructural projects, programmes and policies that will fairly impact on all our 27 local government areas.”

    “Above all, I seek prayers that God sustains our human efforts to be good leaders whose hearts and minds will remain overwhelmed by the sincerest desire to serve the good people of Borno State.”

  • Gov. Zulum inaugurates committee on repatriation, management of repentant insurgents

    Borno state governor Babagana Zulum  has inaugurated a committee on repatriation of Borno citizens leaving in Chad, Niger and Cameroon.

    Zulum while Inaugurating the committee on Monday in Government House Maiduguri, said the committee would also manage repentant insurgents, particularly how they are to come out of the bush, their rehabilitation and reintegration into the society.

    Zulum said proper handling of the task assigned the committee which has the State Deputy Governor, Alhaji Umar Kadafur as Chairman, would lead to increased surrender of remnants of the insurgents and bring peace to Borno for the needed development.

    He explained that already the Federal Government had constituted similar committee on repatriation of victims of insurgency taking refuge in neighbouring countries.

    The Federal committee is headed by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and would collaborate with that of Borno for synergy.

    The governor, however, noted that there was currently a challenge of lack of space to accommodate surrendering insurgents as all the three camps provided for them had been filled to capacity.

     He said government had discussed with Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai, on the need to have bigger camps.

    While reiterating the commitment of the state to fund the activities of the committee,  Zulum said it should also look for other source of funding from public and private organisations.

    He explained that few months ago, the state secured 15 million Euros as support from Germany and was being managed by United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

    The Co-chairman, Mr Kaka Shehu, who thanked the governor for the confidence  reposed in them,  assured the government and people of Borno of thier commitment to deliver.

    Shehu said the committee would work in close synergy with its Federal Government counterpart for maximum result.

    Newsmen reports that Zulum also inaugurated a committee for the resettlement of residents of Mairari and Gudumbali, the headquarters of Guzamala Local Government area.

     The  area is the only remaining local government headquarters in Borno whose residents were yet to return since its recovery from insurgents.

  • Gov. Zulum says Borno cultivated 30,000 hectares of rice farm

    Gov. Babagana Zulum of Borno has disclosed that through the mega farm programme initiated by his administration to transform agriculture, Borno has cultivated over 30,000 hectares of rice farms across resettled communities in the state.

    he stated this during a visit by Kebbi governor, Abubakar Bagudu, to one of the rice plantations, on Wednesday in Damasak, Headquarters of Mobbar Local Government Area of the state.

    The governor said the return of relative peace led to the reactivation of irrigation activities around Lake Chad, Alau Dam, Baga, Nguro Soye and some liberated communities across the state.

    He said the development also increased Borno’s local sourcing of vegetables rather than supplying it from other parts of the country.

    Addressing the farmers in one of the farms, Bagudu whose state is known for rice production, said that he accompanied Zulum to Damasak to see for himself the resumption of farming activities in Borno.

    “Let me say how honoured I am to be standing here in Damasak to support my brother.

    “When he told us the big story, I asked him, can you take me along with you (to Damasak)?  We always celebrate him (Zulum) and appreciate what he is doing for Borno and the entire Nigeria.

    “His doggedness and courage are why I joined him in coming to see this farm in Damasak, among other efforts that he is doing in returning normalcy to Borno and indeed normalcy to Nigeria”, Bagudu said.

  • 2023 Election: Zulum tasks presidential aspirants on unity

    2023 Election: Zulum tasks presidential aspirants on unity

    Gov. Babagana Zulum of Borno has urged presidential aspirants for the 2023 election to always consider the unity and peace of Nigeria as the paramount in their aspirations.

    Zulum made the call on Monday in Maiduguri when he received the presidential aspirant of People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Gov. Nyesome Wike of Rivers State who paid him a courtesy call.

    Zulum said aspirants needed to work towards uniting Nigerians and deepening democracy in the country irrespective of party affiliation.

    He lauded Wike for his concern to the people of Borno during its trying moments, adding that the people of Borno were grateful to President Muhammadu Buhari administration for addressing the security situation in the zone.

    Earlier, Wike said his visit to the governor was a prelude to addressing PDP members in the state on his presidential aspiration under the party.

    Wike lauded Zulum for the development in Borno, particularly the cleanliness of Maiduguri city and urged him to sustain the tempo.

    He also lauded the improvement in security situation in the state.

    “I am happy with you, I commend your work, I have seen the cleanliness of the state,” Wike said.

    Newsmen reports that Wike, who also spoke to newsmen on his mission in Maiduguri, said that based on his consultations with delegates so far across Nigeria, he was confident of getting the party’s ticket.

  • Sunday attack: How Gov Zulum’s convoy was ambushed with donkey

    Sunday attack: How Gov Zulum’s convoy was ambushed with donkey

    Boko Haram terrorists on Sunday used a donkey strapped with explosives to ambush the convoy of Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum as he was returning from Baga to Maiduguri.

    According to reports, Zulum had departed Baga around 10:30am, as suspected Boko Haram terrorists were said to have opened fire on his convoy.

    Sunday’s attack came two days after he had survived another attack while travelling to an area near Lake Chad.

    At least 18 people were killed in that ambush, among them were 14 police officers and soldiers and four civilians.

    What happened in Sunday’s attack?

    Governor Zulum was returning from Baga where he had accompanied hundreds of residents who returned to the town they fled in 2014 following deadly jihadist attacks.

    When soldiers saw the donkey on the road, they shot at it. Explosives then went off and the militants immediately came out from their hide-out to open fire on the convoy, an official who was in one of the vehicles in Governor Zulum’s convoy told the BBC.

    A number of insurgents were killed in the ensuing shoot-out. No-one in the convoy – including the governor – was injured but some vehicles were damaged by bullets, the official said.