Zulum Pays Sympathy Visit to Victims of Ngoshe Attack, Assures Rescue of Abducted Residents

By Abubakar Mala Gajibo 

Governor Babagana Umara Zulum, has commiserated with residents of Ngoshe community in Gwoza Local Government Area following a recent attack by Boko Haram insurgents, describing the incident as tragic and unfortunate.

The governor made the remarks on Friday while addressing affected residents in Pulka, where many of those displaced by the attack have taken refuge.

Ngoshe community came under attack on Tuesday evening when insurgents reportedly killed several residents and abducted others.

Governor Zulum said he visited the community to sympathise with the victims and families who lost their loved ones in the attack.

“We are here today to commiserate with the people of Ngoshe that have lost their loved ones following the unfortunate incident that occurred on Tuesday. The situation is very sad and our hearts go out to all those affected by this tragedy,” the governor said.

He assured residents that efforts were underway to rescue those abducted, restore security and provide humanitarian assistance to the affected communities.

“I want to assure you that we will do everything possible to address the unfortunate situation that has befallen this community, and for those who have been abducted, the Nigerian military will do everything within its capacity to rescue them,” Zulum assured.

The governor disclosed that military operations were ongoing in the Sambisa Forest to flush out insurgents and restore normalcy in the affected areas.

According to him, the recent attacks were partly a result of intensified military operations pushing insurgents out of their strongholds.

“There are ongoing military operations within the Sambisa Game Reserve. What we witnessed yesterday was largely a result of insurgents being pushed out from their strongholds, which led them to launch coordinated attacks on nearby communities,” he explained.

Governor Zulum also called on the Nigerian Army and the Federal Government to intensify operations in the Mandara Mountains, describing the area as a major security threat.

“The Mandara Hills remain a major security concern. The insurgents descended from the hills to attack this town. Therefore, I call on the Nigerian Army and the Federal Government to intensify efforts to clear Mandara Hills of insurgents,” he said.

He noted that the exact number of casualties had yet to be confirmed as assessments were still ongoing, but acknowledged that several lives were lost while others were abducted.

As part of immediate humanitarian intervention, Governor Zulum said the state government had commenced the distribution of relief materials and the establishment of cooking points to provide meals for displaced residents.

“For now, we will distribute food items to those affected and I have directed that cooking points be established so that everyone in this community can receive meals from a central kitchen,” he said.

The governor appealed to residents to remain calm and law-abiding, assuring that the Borno State Government would intensify efforts to restore peace and stability across the state.

“I strongly believe that with sustained military operations and cooperation between all levels of government, we will overcome this challenge. Insha Allah, peace will return fully to our land,” he added.

Meanwhile, Governor Zulum also inspected houses destroyed during another attack by Boko Haram insurgents in Konduga town on Thursday.