Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Zulum, has attributed arms
proliferations and Boko Haram insurgency in the Northeast to porous
borders.
According to him, the porous borders with neighbouring countries of
Niger, Chad and Cameroon were responsible for arms proliferations by
terrorists.
Zulum raised the alarm Monday; when President of Alumni Association of
National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (AANI), IGP
Mohammed Abubakar (rtd) paid a solidarity visit at Government House,
Maiduguri.
He maintained that without efficient manning of international porous
borders by security agencies the over a decade long terrorism could
“linger unabated” with continued loss of many lives and property.
“The lingering Boko Haram crisis have led to the untimely deaths of
unspecified number of gallant and sacrificial troops,” he said; noting
that many civilians were killed with the torching of houses and public
structures worth $9 billion (N3.42 trillion) in Borno, Adamawa and
Yobe states.
He said the state government, will however, continue to do its best by
supporting the military and other security agencies fight Boko Haram.
His words: “I want to express our appreciation to AANI for the visit,
specifically to your branches in Yobe Borno for their unflinching
support to my administration.
“We are very grateful for coming to identify with Borno in our trying
moment,” stating that with the support of all and sundry, the
insurgents are to be defeated by God’s grace.
In his brief remarks, IGP Abubakar told the Governor that his
association is a registered body comprising eminent members from
different segments of society.
He said the association was to promote the ideals of a better society
in the country.
While lamenting incessant attacks, he said: “AANI noted with regrets
and is deeply concerned with the security challenges facing Borno
State Government, particularly the recent upsurge in Boko Haram
attacks.”
He, therefore, commended the doggedness of Zulum for his foresight, as
the present administration has actively implemented numerous
people-oriented projects and programs.
According to him, the completed projects are in the health, education
and poverty alleviation sectors, including women and youth
empowerment.
He said that these projects, have direct bearings on the lives of people.
“Nigerians and the world over; that the Governor is not alone in
repositioning Borno to a greater heights,” he said.
