Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Zulum; has warned the
international community; that COVID-19 global pandemic may undermine
the fight against Boko Haram insurgency that claimed many lives and
property in Northeast.
The decade long insurgency has devastated Borno, Adamawa and Yobe
states with displacement of over 7.2 million people in region.
According to him; Boko Haram is equally contagious through the spread
of violent ideologies and links with terror groups around the globe.
Zulum’s Spokesman, Isa Gusau on Saturday in Maiduguri stated:
“Terrorism is also contagious by creating permanent fear and agonies
for millions of people in insurgency affected states,” warning that;
“we cannot afford to be distracted.”
While lamenting of devastation of COVID-19 and terrorism, he said: “We
must be simultaneous and consistent in applying and sustaining tough
measures against COVIDs-19 and 2009 (Boko Haram insurgency).
“With their proven evil mindset, Boko Haram insurgents would expect us
to be carried away with COVID-19.” adding that the terrorists can
exploit the situation to make COVID-2009 worse than it already is.”
Gusau said that Boko Haram, under its initial identity as Taliban,
launched its first in October 2003 at Yusufari; Yobe state.
The group, according to him, gained notoriety in July, 2009 and since
then, no one knows the exact thousands of people killed by COVID-2009.
He said as coronavirus and terrorism are deadly; stakeholders and the
international community must never let them continue to happen.
“Covid-19 must not distract focus on “COVID-2009 to protect people’s
lives,” he declared.
He said that Nigeria and international community must never lose sight
of Boko Haram insurgency (COVID-2009), as it is older than COVID-19
that claimed over 105, 000 lives globally.
While wishing Christians a happy and memorable Easter, he said: “I
warmly felicitate with our Christian brothers and sisters in Borno
state and beyond.
“This is a season we should recognize and imbibe selfless sacrifices
and renew our hopes and convictions.
“I share the pain that the important Easter is being celebrated at
time Nigeria, like many parts of world, is battling to contain a
pandemic caused by coronavirus disease.
He said the state government will remain relentless in fighting this
dangerous and highly contagious disease through strict preventive and
responsive measures
