In a stern message aimed at protecting the peace and security of Borno State, Governor Babagana Zulum has called on farming and fishing communities in Baga to refrain from any form of collaboration with Boko Haram insurgents.
During a visit to Baga, located in the Kukawa Local Government Area of the state, Zulum condemned any involvement with insurgents as detrimental to the ongoing peace-building efforts in the region. His address, delivered at the palace of the District Head of Baga, came in the wake of a deadly attack on farmers in Dumba, where 40 individuals were killed by insurgents believed to be linked to the Islamic State of the West African Province (ISWAP).
In a clear message, Zulum declared, “Collaboration with Boko Haram or any insurgent group is unacceptable. It is not just a threat to our safety; it undermines everything we are doing to rebuild Borno. We must stand united in rejecting violence and extremism.”
The governor’s warning comes as part of broader efforts to ensure the safety of Borno residents and maintain stability in the face of persistent insurgent threats. Zulum emphasized that communities must adhere strictly to military guidelines on where agricultural activities can take place to prevent insurgents from using these areas as safe havens.
“We are committed to supporting our farmers, but they must operate only in areas that have been approved by the Nigerian military for their safety and the safety of all of us,” Zulum said. “By following these guidelines, we help protect our lands and ensure the stability of Borno.”
The recent attack in Dumba has left residents on edge, as it underscores the continuing dangers posed by insurgent groups in the region. Zulum, however, remains firm in his stance against any form of support for these groups, which have been responsible for the displacement and deaths of thousands of Borno citizens over the years.
Zulum’s plea to farmers and fishermen in Baga and surrounding areas aligns with the state’s broader efforts to counter insurgency. He pointed out that the collaboration of local populations with terrorist groups not only endangers the community but also gives insurgents the foothold they need to perpetuate violence and instability.
“We cannot afford to allow Boko Haram to thrive in any of our communities. We have suffered long enough,” he remarked.
The governor’s visit also served as an opportunity to highlight the state’s commitment to ensuring food security, a key priority in the wake of years of insurgent activity that has severely disrupted agricultural production. Zulum inspected a 2,000-hectare solar-powered surface irrigation system in Baga, a project aimed at boosting agricultural productivity. He described the irrigation system as a crucial step in alleviating the economic hardships faced by farmers in the state.
“This project is a game-changer. With the use of solar power, we will reduce costs for farmers and increase the land’s productive capacity,” Zulum explained. “This system will allow us to grow crops year-round, helping us to recover from the damage caused by insurgency.”
The system, which will be used for cassava farming after the wheat harvest, aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s vision for achieving food sufficiency and reducing production costs. Zulum highlighted how such projects fit into the larger plan of revitalizing the state’s agricultural sector, creating jobs, and reducing dependence on imported food.
Zulum’s administration is also focused on rebuilding Borno’s infrastructure, with particular attention to education, healthcare, and road construction. As part of his inspection, he assured local officials and community leaders that the government’s plans to boost economic activities would continue, despite the security challenges.
He was accompanied by key members of the National Assembly and state officials, all of whom emphasized the need for Borno to remain vigilant in the fight against insurgency. Zulum’s visit to Kukawa town was met with a warm reception from residents, many of whom expressed gratitude for the governor’s leadership and commitment to rebuilding the region.
However, Zulum’s message was clear: the fight against Boko Haram requires the collective effort of all Borno residents. He urged local farmers to take full advantage of government-supported agricultural initiatives but also to report any suspicious activity immediately to the authorities.
In light of the growing insurgent threats, the governor commended the troops of the 101 Special Forces Battalion for their bravery and dedication in securing Borno’s borders. He acknowledged that without their efforts, the state would be far more vulnerable to insurgent attacks.
“We stand with our military personnel, who continue to risk their lives to protect us,” Zulum said. “We owe them our safety and security.”
Zulum’s remarks on the importance of collaboration between the government, military, and communities come at a time when efforts to resettle displaced persons and rebuild communities are intensifying. The recent deadly attack in Dumba, which targeted innocent farmers, has further underscored the need for communities to remain alert and support security forces in the fight against insurgents.
In closing, Governor Zulum reiterated the central role of community resilience in overcoming the challenges posed by insurgency. “We will defeat Boko Haram together. But it requires us to stay united, to reject extremism, and to embrace peace and prosperity for Borno,” he stated.
