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

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.