Yobe State Governor, Mai Mala Buni has sought special military intervention to protect Geidam and other border communities with Niger. Geidam, 180 kilometres north of Damaturu, was severally attacked by Boko Haram torching military and police posts in the last five years. Other border communities to be protected by the military include Yunusari, Yusufari and Machina northwest of Borno state. In a statement Sunday in Damaturu, Director General for Press and Media to the Governor, Mamman Mohammed disclosed: “Buni sought for special military interventions to safeguard Geidam and three other border communities.” While commiserating with the people of Geidam over weekend attacks, he said: “Efforts were being intensified to prevent incessant attacks on communities. According to him, the Governor since yesterday (Saturday) had been liaising with security agencies to find lasting solution to attacks on the border community. He assured that the Governor is working closely with security agencies to protect people lives and property in the insurgency prone communities. “Military’s collaborative synergy with other security agencies could ensure lasting peace in the state,” he said. Meanwhile, the State Emergency Management Agency SEMA has been directed to provide the people with relief materials. The member representing Geidam, Yunusari, Bursari Federal Constituency at the National Assembly, Hon. Lawan Shettima, also lamented that his people are at the mercy of Boko Haram since Friday’s attacks. Geidam, according to him, is currently under the control of Boko Haram despite troops’ killing of 21 terrorists Saturday. He alleged that the insurgents moved round the town unchallenged, destroying public structures, including telecom mast of Airtel and MTN. He therefore called on President Muhammadu Buhari not to overlook the revelation of the National Security Adviser, Babagana Monguno, over the issue of the $1 million missing for the purchase of fighting equipment. According to him, the complaint by the Army for lack of equipment to defend the people or themselves calls for concern and should not be overlooked by the President. “Why the Army allegedly refused to act on credible information provided to them concerning Friday’s attack,” he asked, noting that the Army allowed the insurgents to invade Geidam unchallenged.
