The Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum was excited over the resumption of socioeconomic activities in the border town of Banki with Cameroon. According to him, Banki after serial attacks by Boko Haram insurgents, its residents fled the town for seven years to take refuge. Zulum expressed his excitement at the weekend; to distribute food and non-food relief materials with N84 million to 2, 200 IDP households.
“I’m today impressed that at about 10.30pm; Banki is bustling with a lot of social and economic activities,” he declared. He added that; “This is my best moment since I became the Governor of the state on May 29, 2019.” Zulum also interacted with the night traders and immediately approved the distribution of additional N50m to the selected households to boost their business. He noted that the additional disbursement of N50 million was to enhance the local economy in IDP camps and host communities. Prior to the 2009 insurgency, the border town was famous for daily border trades with Cameroon. He lamented that the 2014 Boko Haram attacks forced many residents to flee and take refuge for seven years at the Maiduguri and Bama IDP camps. Besides, he however, said: “This is my 10th visit to this border town, since I became the Governor,” stating that he had approved the rebuilding of houses, schools, hospitals and other public structures.
He said that before he leaves Banki, the UNDP regional stabilization facility, police and paramilitary staff quarters will be commissioned. He noted that the inauguration of the staff quarters was to establish ‘civil authorities’ in the border areas with Cameroon. “Anybody I believe will be happy to note this development in Banki,” he said, adding that the State Government will continue to build people’s resilience to promote peace and unity among communities that were affected by terrorism.
