Governor Babagana Zulum has called for creating a brigade command in Southern Borno to combat the lingering insecurity in some villages.

The governor made the call on Tuesday during his four-day working tour of five LGAs.

Mr Zulum said the call for establishing brigade command is the best option in tackling the lingering insecurity in Borno.

”Traditional rulers and local government chairmen in most of the places I visited re-echoed this call. Yes, these are the most volatile areas in the region, especially Dile, Lasa, among others, where there are serious security problems.

“The necessity of security and development cannot be overemphasised. It is only when there is security that there will be development,” the governor said.

Mr Zulum said the problem of insecurity in the areas had been lingering for a while.

The governor said the people of Borno must be grateful to God for His mercies regarding the improved security in southern Borno.

Mr Zulum also urged the affected communities to always defend themselves against insurgents.

“You cannot gain victory over Boko Haram unless you, as the indigenous people in the areas, stand to defend yourselves. You have to defend yourselves, and this is very important,” he said.

The Emir of Askira, Abdullahi Askirama II, said out of the 12 district heads under his domain, eight had deserted their communities and had been living with him in Askira town for over a decade due to insurgents’ infiltration.

“For over 12 years, children in these areas are at home and cannot attend school. If the government attempts to rebuild the damaged schools, the insurgents will mobilise their members, launch fresh attacks on schools and further destroy the facilities.

“It is on record that the state government had rehabilitated some of the schools, but members of the Boko Haram burnt down those schools. The soldiers are trying their best, but your esteemed office must intervene and call for reinforcement from security forces in the areas. We share a border with Sambisa, Chibok and other volatile communities where they (insurgents) can easily attack and go back,” he said.

The chairman of Askira-Uba LGA, Abdullahi Mazayyi, said, “The insecurity in Ngohi Ngulde was getting worse. The teeming soldiers deployed to these areas are seriously working hard day and night to maintain peace and order, but we need reinforcement for agricultural activities.

“We are calling on the state and federal governments to look into the security situation in these areas, with a view to forming a special and permanent army formation around the areas in order to enhance the agricultural productivity and protect lives and property.” 

(NAN)