Zulum Decries Renewed Boko Haram Attacks, Says Military Ignored His Warning

By Micheal Chukwuebuka

Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, has expressed deep frustration over renewed Boko Haram attacks in Kirawa, a border community in Gwoza Local Government Area, lamenting that his earlier warnings to the Nigerian military were disregarded.

Governor Zulum, who visited the town on Friday in the company of Civilian Joint Task Force (JTF) members and Nigerian troops, said he had previously cautioned the military about the grave risks of leaving strategic border communities unprotected following the withdrawal of Cameroonian forces.

“I duly notified the Nigerian military of the dangers of leaving this town without security. Wilgo, Kirawa, Baga, Damasak, Malamfatori and others are strategic border communities that must be protected,” Zulum said, according to Daily Trust.

Despite his warning, Boko Haram insurgents launched a fresh assault on Wednesday, destroying infrastructure and homes. “Unfortunately, my request did not receive the deserved attention. The insurgents came and vandalised everything we worked hard to rebuild. Two lives were lost, 50 houses, heavy-duty equipment, and eight vehicles were burnt,” the governor lamented.

Zulum disclosed that the Nigerian Army had now agreed to redeploy troops to the area. He also announced plans by the state government to bolster local security outfits, including the Civilian JTF and vigilante groups, through logistical support and protective gear.

Appealing to the federal government for immediate financial intervention, the governor stressed the urgency of ramping up military operations as the rainy season ends. He warned that irregular and delayed operations had emboldened insurgents.

“What matters is not the number of soldiers but their commitment to fight,” he added.

According to Reuters, more than 5,000 residents fled into neighbouring Cameroon after insurgents seized Kirawa on Thursday, setting ablaze a military base, the district head’s palace, and dozens of homes. Boko Haram later released a video claiming responsibility for the attack.

The assault on Kirawa comes barely two weeks after a similar raid on Banki, another border town, where insurgents overran a military base and carted away weapons, raising fresh concerns over the security of Nigeria’s northeastern borders.