Zulum Spends Night in Pulka, Disburses N900m Relief to 30,000 Boko Haram-Affected Households

By Tada Jutha, Maiduguri

Borno State Governor Babagana Umara Zulum has approved the release of N900 million alongside large quantities of food and essential supplies to support about 30,000 households affected by recent Boko Haram attacks in Gwoza Local Government Area.

In a rare show of frontline leadership, the governor spent Saturday night in Pulka, a border community near Cameroon, where he personally coordinated security efforts following renewed attacks in Ngoshe, Pulka, and surrounding areas. The visit marks the first time a sitting governor has stayed overnight in the town, located about 22 kilometres from Gwoza.

Before overseeing the distribution of relief materials on Sunday, Zulum held a closed-door meeting with military commanders, security agencies, and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force. The discussions focused on strengthening security operations, particularly across border communities and key corridors such as the Gwoza–Bitta–Damboa axis.

Addressing residents, the governor emphasised that leadership requires sacrifice and direct engagement with the people. He noted that his administration has consistently prioritised reaching vulnerable communities rather than governing from a distance.

“True leadership is about being present where people need you the most, not remaining in comfort while others suffer,” he said, reaffirming his commitment to grassroots governance.

As part of the intervention, Zulum announced that each household head in Ngoshe would receive N30,000, while married women would be given N20,000. In addition, thousands of mattresses, clothing materials, and other relief items were distributed to ease the hardship faced by displaced families.

He further disclosed that similar support would be extended to Pulka, which has witnessed an influx of displaced persons fleeing violence in nearby communities.

The governor also acknowledged contributions from the Federal Government and business magnate Alhaji Aliko Dangote, who donated 30,000 bags of rice to assist vulnerable residents. He confirmed that Pulka would benefit from the distribution.

“We are not only supporting Ngoshe but also Pulka and other affected communities with both food and non-food items to cushion their suffering,” Zulum stated.

Calling for stronger community collaboration, the governor urged residents to work closely with security agencies by providing credible information that could help tackle insecurity.

“Security is a shared responsibility. Without the cooperation of the people, it will be difficult to end this crisis,” he warned.

Items distributed during the exercise included bags of rice, maize, and sorghum, as well as bedding materials such as mattresses and plastic mats.

The governor was accompanied by key political and government officials, including Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume, Hon. Ahmed Usman Jaha, and Hon. Bukar Talba, among others.

Zulum reassured the affected communities of sustained efforts by both the state and federal governments to restore peace, rebuild livelihoods, and ensure long-term stability across Borno State.

“We Will Not Abandon You” — Zulum Reassures Ngoshe Victims, Vows Stronger Security Response

By Auwal Ahmad Umar 

Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to protecting vulnerable communities as he visited victims of the Ngoshe attack currently sheltering in Pulka, Gwoza Local Government Area.

The visit, aimed at restoring hope and strengthening resilience among displaced residents, follows the March 4 attack on Ngoshe, which forced many families to flee their homes.

Speaking to the displaced persons at Pulka Central Primary School, Zulum conveyed heartfelt sympathy and assured them that both the federal and state governments are intensifying efforts to secure the area and prevent further attacks.

“We share in your pain and remain fully committed to ensuring your safety. Measures are being reinforced to restore peace in Ngoshe and its environs,” he said.

The governor, who has now visited the victims for the second time, expressed concern over the security situation in Gwoza and reiterated that no effort would be spared in addressing emerging threats across the state.

He also pledged that those still in captivity would be rescued, while steps would be taken to rebuild homes and public infrastructure destroyed during the attack to enable safe return for displaced residents.

Zulum called on affected communities to continue supporting security agencies with credible information, stressing that local cooperation is key to defeating insurgency.

In a move to ease the hardship faced by the displaced population, the governor announced the immediate distribution of relief materials, including food and essential household items, to victims and their host community in Pulka.

“Support will reach every affected household. We understand your challenges and will continue to stand by you during this difficult period,” he assured.

On security strategy, Zulum revealed plans to meet with military commanders and other security stakeholders, including the Civilian Joint Task Force, hunters, and vigilantes, to strengthen surveillance and response operations in the area.

He noted that the ongoing fight against insurgency is being driven by coordinated efforts between security forces and local communities.

The governor was accompanied on the visit by Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume, lawmakers, commissioners, and other government officials from Gwoza, underscoring a unified front in addressing the crisis.

Zulum Pledges Massive Job Creation, Skills Training as Shehu of Borno Leads Sallah Homage

By Tada Jutha, Maiduguri

Borno State Governor Babagana Umara Zulum has reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to tackle unemployment and poverty through expanded job creation and vocational training programmes targeting youths and women across the state.

The governor made this known on Saturday while receiving the Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai El-Kanemi, who led members of the Borno Emirate Council on a traditional Sallah homage to the Government House in Maiduguri.

The annual visit, deeply rooted in the emirate’s customs, underscores unity and mutual respect between the traditional institution and the state government.

Welcoming the monarch and his delegation, Zulum emphasised that his administration would scale up empowerment initiatives designed to equip young people with practical skills and sustainable means of livelihood.

“Our government, in collaboration with the State Executive Council, will intensify efforts in job creation and skills acquisition programmes to address poverty and unemployment, especially among our youths,” he said.

He added that the government would continue to deploy both human and material resources toward creating opportunities that can absorb the growing population of unemployed youths in the state.

The governor also appealed for continued prayers and spiritual support from the traditional institution, stressing the importance of collective efforts in sustaining peace and stability in Borno and the country at large.

Zulum reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening ties with traditional rulers, describing them as key partners in grassroots governance and community engagement.

He further disclosed ongoing efforts to extend electricity to underserved communities, including plans to connect remaining local government areas to the national grid, with particular attention to border communities around Niger, Chad, and Cameroon.

The governor commended Shehu for his steadfast leadership, especially for remaining in Maiduguri during the height of the insurgency, describing it as a symbol of courage and dedication.

In his remarks, the Shehu of Borno noted that the Sallah homage remains a vital tradition for fostering unity and solidarity with the government and people of the state.

“This visit reflects our enduring commitment to identify with the government and citizens of Borno, particularly during festive periods,” he said.

The monarch acknowledged the developmental progress recorded under the current administration and encouraged the government to sustain its focus on youth empowerment, job creation, and improved security.

The Shehu was accompanied by senior members of the Borno Emirate Council, including the Waziri of Borno, Alhaji Mutawalli Shettima Bukar, the Chief Imam, Imam Idaini, and other notable traditional title holders.

In a related development, Governor Zulum also received separate Sallah homage visits from delegations of the University of Maiduguri, Kashim Ibrahim College of Education, Al-Ansar University, and the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Maiduguri.

The delegations congratulated the governor on the successful completion of Ramadan and expressed sympathy over the recent explosion in Maiduguri.

Responding, Zulum appreciated their visits and reiterated his administration’s continued support for federal institutions operating within the state.