Zulum calls for deployment of troops to Borno border communities after Boko Haram attack

Babagana Zulum, governor of Borno, has called on the federal government and military authorities to deploy soldiers to key border communities in the state, including Kirawa, Wulgo, Baga, Damasak, and Malam Fatori.

Zulum spoke during a visit to the Kirawa community in Gwoza LGA on Friday, where he sympathised with residents following a Boko Haram attack on Monday night.

The Monday attack reportedly resulted in two deaths and the burning of the district head’s house, several other homes, vehicles, and heavy-duty equipment.

The governor promised to rehabilitate all destroyed houses, rebuild the burnt dispensary into a general hospital, and explore compensation for victims who lost homes and shops.

Zulum said he had a meeting with the theatre commander of Operation Hadin Kai, the general officer commanding (GOC) of the 7th division of the Nigerian Army, and the force commander of the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF).

He noted that they agreed that troops would be deployed to Kirawa within a short period.

The governor expressed regret that his earlier warnings to the Nigerian military about the dangers of leaving border communities unsecured, as well as his requests for troop deployment, had not received adequate attention.

“Kirawa was established about seven years ago with the support of the Cameroonian soldiers, but unfortunately, some months ago, the Cameroonian soldiers were displaced by the insurgents,” he said.

“I have duly notified the Nigerian military of the dangers of leaving the border towns without security.

“Wulgo, Kirwa, Baga, Damasak, and Malam Fatori, among others, are border communities that have to be protected because of their importance. But unfortunately, my request for their protection did not receive the desired attention.

“Some few days ago, the terrorists came to Kirawa and vandalised everything. Fortunately enough, only two lives were lost. But some houses and vehicles, including heavy-duty equipment, were burnt down, but thank God not much lives were lost.

“I want to assure the people of Kirawa that we will rebuild the burnt dispensary to be a befitting general hospital. Aside from that, we will rehabilitate all the houses that were burnt and look into the possibility of compensating members of the communities that have been affected by the destruction.

“All of us have agreed that within the shortest possible time, the Nigerian Army will deploy soldiers to Kirawa town.

“The second measure we have undertaken is in the area of providing support to our gallant civilian JTF and vigilante. I listened to them, and we will provide them with the needed equipment to safeguard the town.

“Most importantly, we are looking into the possibility of getting some modern technological equipment that would address insecurity challenges in the general area.”