Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno state; has raised alarms over Boko
Haram fresh recruitment of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in
camps to sustain terrorists activities in the state.
According to him, the recruitment exercise, was fueled by the
inability of 1.76 million IDPs return to communities resume farming.
Zulum raised the alarms on Saturday, in the Hausa Service of British
Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) monitored in Maiduguri, the Borno state
capital.
“Truly, the Boko Haram terrorists; are working on people to join them
in the ongoing war,” he said, lamenting that it is frightening, which
has to be nipped in bud, before it’s too late to continue lose more
lives.
“If IDPs living in camps and host communities could not be opportune
return to their communities to resume farming, they may be forced to
join Boko Haram,” he warned.
He added that the IDPs are tired and bored of living in camps, as they
are not getting what they really wanted of being returned to
communities and pick up their lives.
He said that no government at state or federal level can continue to
be feeding them endlessly without incurring any human and capital
resources.
He said that already, the terrorists are hibernating in Sambisa
Forest, Mandara Mountains in Gwoza council of Borno state; and shores
of Lake Chad.
On how to end the war, he said: “Until the military and security
agencies take the fight to three main terrorists hideouts, the Boko
Haram war may not end.”
Meanwhile, he said that his administration was able to return over
5,000 IDPs to Mafa and Kukawa Local Government Areas.
“Plans are underway to return displaced persons to Kauwuri,” he said,
expressing hope that the military will intensify efforts on returning
more IDPs to Baga, Marte, Malam Fatori, and Gudumbali towns.
Speaking on current security situation, he said: “The security
situation was improving in Borno state.
“But there are; still more dangers to people’s lives and property; as
the Boko Haram insurgents, are still hiding in the forest and
mountains, including the shores of Lake Chad.
“Chasing them away from their headquarters is one of the solutions
towards ending this insurgency.”
He however noted that smoking out Boko Haram terrorists from the
forest needed the support from neighbouring countries of Cameroon,
Chad and Niger.
He therefore, suggested that to successfully go into the Lake Chad
Basin and Forest, it requires the cooperation of the countries that
share borders with Nigeria.
On whether terrorists, are still occupy some councils in the state, he
said: “Truly, there is no place under the occupation of Boko Haram.
“But there are areas with no people living there.
“What I mean is that people are yet to return to their places of origin.
“I swear to God, before the coming of Buhari, the security situation
in Borno had deteriorated.”
Continued; “At that time, 20 Local Government Areas were under Boko
Haram control. Now, it’s not.”
On when the war could end, he told the BBC that; “There are thousands
of people in 44 IDP camps and host communities in the state.
“One surest way to end Boko Haram is ensuring a good relationship
between the military and civilians.”
“I keep on saying wherever you go, you will see the military and
vigilante together fighting the terrorists.
“But what I am saying is that the military should provide protection
for civilians to enable them return home and resume their farming
activities.”
He noted that the military is doing their best to secure people’s
lives and property in the state.
According to him, what is most disturbing and frightening, is when
Boko Haram war shall come to an end.”
While commenting on recent Baga attack on his convoy, he also
reiterated that it was ‘sabotage.’
Even though he did not mention the name of saboteur, he said; whatever
is done to hinder the fight against Boko Haram is an act of sabotage.
He added that this include the failure to use money and buy arms,
noting that the Baga attack was shameful.
Continued; “I was not afraid because I rely on God.
“Nothing will happen to a Muslim; unless by the will of Almighty God.”
“I was attacked with bombs but God protected me, when I was the State
Commissioner for Reconstruction, Rehabilitation and Resettlement
(RRR).
“We must be brave and steadfast in protecting our people,” adding that
if we continue to fear, the war will not end.
