Governor Babagana Zulum has said that Western countries have shown more concerns to people’s plights in Borno state than Arab nations, despite Boko Haram insurgency. The over a decade long insurgency, has claimed 40,000 lives with property worth $9.2 billion (about N3.42 trillion) in Borno, Adamawa and Yobe states. Zulum raised the alarm Tuesday in Maiduguri, when the Palestinian Ambassador to Nigeria, Saleh Fheied Saleh visited him at the Government House. He said the Arab nations share the same religion and culture with most of the Borno citizens living in Palestine. Zulum lauded Palestine for being one of the few exceptions among the comity of Arab nations. His words: “I am a practical person. I work with the realities I see on the ground. “In the face of our challenges over the years, we have received humanitarian support from the UK and other parts of Europe, the United States, Canada, Japan and a host of others countries.” The western countries have demonstrated concern and have made efforts to support traumatized citizens in many ways especially on food, medicals and livelihoods. He noted that the level of concern never came from Arab countries with whom millions of Borno people share a similar religion and culture. Continuing, he added: “We even have indigenous Shuwa Arabs in Borno and this shows how our histories are tied. “We have made several efforts, written and visited embassies of Arab nations, especially those that are rich and not dealing with any crisis to no avail. “Your visit, however, has renewed our hope and we are very grateful.” The Ambassador informed the Governor that a plan to support the state government in humanitarian assistance will be considered. Continuing; he added: “There are a lot of Palestinian companies in Nigeria. They are willing to work with the Borno state government, as they are ready to cooperate with you. “We’re ready to help in anything you want us to do that we can do.” He noted that many Nigerians are currently residing in Palestine territory, particularly Borno indigenes, who are diligently serving the government and people of Palestine. He cited Fatima Barnawi, as one of the Borno citizens in Palestine that served as minister and a police chief.
