•Warns of losing entire Borno LGA if insurgents are not decisively countered.
By OBSERVERS TIMES
Zulum Pleads with FG to Prevent Marte’s Fall to Terrorists After Spending Night in Town
Borno Governor on ground to assess situation, warns of dire consequences if insurgents seize key LGA.
Borno State Governor Babagana Umara Zulum has issued a passionate appeal to the Federal Government for the urgent deployment of robust strategies to prevent Marte town from falling into the hands of Boko Haram and ISWAP insurgents. His plea came after he spent the night in the volatile town on Saturday, actively coordinating security logistics and assessing the dire situation on the ground.
Marte, which had been resettled approximately four years ago, was recently attacked by Boko Haram last Friday, leading to the complete desertion of the town and the displacement of around 20,000 residents who sought refuge in Dikwa. Governor Zulum’s visit aimed to evaluate the challenges and explore sustainable solutions to restore stability in the area.
Speaking to journalists on Sunday, Governor Zulum emphasized the critical need for federal intervention to secure Marte. “Marte was resettled about four years ago, but unfortunately, over the last three days, it was ransacked and was displaced again,” he stated. He highlighted the vulnerability of the displaced population in camps, warning of the risk of younger individuals being recruited by insurgents.
“Alhamdulillah, we returned to Marte yesterday and spent the night with the support of the Nigerian Army and our volunteers. The community is now resettled for the second time. Still, my prayers to the federal government of Nigeria and the Nigerian Army are that we do everything possible to keep this town on the ground,” Governor Zulum implored.
He underscored the strategic importance of Marte, noting that it is the last remaining town out of over 300 in the entire Local Government Area that is still standing. “If we cannot maintain this one, then we will lose the whole Local Government to the insurgents, which will be very obnoxious, and I think we will not allow this to happen. Therefore, I am calling on the federal government and the Nigerian Army so that we can put heads together and hold our ground for this single town in this LGA to remain.”
Governor Zulum reiterated his unwavering commitment to supporting security agencies in their efforts to achieve lasting peace in Borno State. “On my part as the governor of Borno State, I would do everything within my power to support our gallant military in their efforts towards lasting peace in our beloved state,” he affirmed. His presence in Marte and his fervent appeal underscore the gravity of the security situation in the region and the urgent need for decisive action.
