“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.

Shettima Visits Blast Victims, Vows Stronger Crackdown on Terrorists

By Tada Jutha, Maiduguri

Vice-President Kashim Shettima has assured Nigerians that the perpetrators of the recent deadly explosions in Maiduguri, Borno State, will be held accountable and face the full force of the law.

Shettima gave the assurance on Wednesday during a visit to victims of the attacks receiving treatment at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital. The visit, he said, was to personally sympathise with the injured and families affected by the tragic incident.

Speaking during the visit, the vice-president reiterated the Federal Government’s ongoing dedication to ending terrorism, stressing that decisive measures were already underway to strengthen security operations across the country.

He explained that, in addition to directives issued to security chiefs, the government had continued to invest heavily in modern equipment and operational logistics to enhance the capacity of security forces in tackling insurgency.

Condemning the coordinated explosions that rocked Maiduguri on Monday, Shettima described the attacks as inhumane and unjustifiable. The incident left more than 100 people affected, with over 20 fatalities recorded.

He stated, “No reason can justify the killing of innocent citizens,” pledging to track down and deal with those responsible for the violence.

The vice-president also assured victims and their families of continued government support, noting that assistance would be provided through relevant agencies, including the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the North East Development Commission, and the Borno State Government.

Shettima was accompanied on the visit by the Deputy Governor of Borno State, Usman Kadafur; the Director-General of NEMA, Zubaida Umar; the Chief Medical Director of the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, Prof. Ahmed Ahijo; and other senior government officials.