Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum has called on the people in the state not to be despaired in the face of what he called “tribulations” from sporadic attacks by Boko Haram and other group of terrorists, assuring that they will eventually be defeated.
“The situation facing us is a tough one but we must choose between doing something which gives us some hope and doing nothing which will leave us more vulnerable to Boko Haram’s ultimate wish to takeover Borno and bring it under their sovereign brutal administration.”
In a statement by his spokesman, Mallam Isa Gusau, Governor Zulum said: “we must continue to keep hope alive even in the face of tribulations and believe that with sustained efforts and prayers, Borno will eventually regain peace.
The Governor, who attended Baga’s first Jumu’at prayers in nearly two years, confirmed that eight policemen and three civilian JTF members were killed in the ambush on his convoy, on their way to Baga as security back-ups in reconstruction efforts.
He expressed sadness over the unfortunate carnage, adding that he shared the grief of families of these 11 priceless heroes to whom Borno shall remain grateful.
The governor prays for the repose of their souls and urges all stakeholders to remain committed to ongoing peace building efforts.
Baga, Borno’s largest fishing community close to Lake Chad with waterways to neighboring countries, is considered strategic to Boko Haram’s operation.
It was captured by Boko Haram fighters 21 months ago with most residents now in Monguno and Maiduguri.
