Governor Babagana Zulum of Bornu says the state government has successfully resettled 20 communities displaced by the Boko Haram insurgency in their ancestral homes.

In his goodwill message to mark the 2022 Democracy Day on Sunday in Maiduguri, he lauded President Muhammadu Buhari for his commitment to the fight against insurgency and the successes recorded in the peace restoration process in the state.

“The successes recorded are evident in our ongoing safe rebuilding of communities and safe resettlement of over 20 communities so far in Borno State, and I believe, in other parts of the North-East,” he said.

The governor hailed the gallantry and sacrifices of the military, security agencies and volunteers towards ensuring the return of peace, adding that the people of the state and the region deserved commendation for their support and resilience.

Mr Zulum said the people had resisted the ravaging insurgents, who were bent on causing havoc, destroying democratic institutions and replacing them with violent doctrines in the region.

“From 2009 to date, which is about 13 years, thousands of our youthful fellow citizens, amongst them women and even old men, have devoted their lives to supporting the Armed Forces of Nigeria in fighting Boko Haram and stopping the insurgents from undermining Nigeria’s sovereignty and our democracy.

“In these 13 years, a countless number of these citizens as members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), hunters and vigilantes have made sacrifices, including giving their lives on battlefronts, to protect fellow citizens and to preserve our nation’s sovereignty and democracy.

“These fallen volunteers, alongside those currently on the front lines and all citizens of the North-East, eminently qualify to be named amongst the heroes of Nigeria’s 23 years of uninterrupted democracy.

“We will forever be grateful to the volunteers for their sacrifices, just as we should regularly remember them in our prayers as we seek an end to the insurgency that is now on the comparative decline.

“Survivors of our fallen volunteers have earned our help as a matter of obligation to them,” he said.

Mr Zulum reiterated his administration’s commitment to supporting persons displaced by the insurgency to ensure their safe and dignified resettlement.

While applauding the military and volunteers for their sacrifices, the governor pledged continued support, adding that “we must also keep them in our prayers for their victory means our continued existence”. 

(NAN)