Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume, who represents Borno South, has voiced serious concern over the resurgence of Boko Haram attacks in his constituency, which have resulted in the deaths of four farmers and the destruction of churches and other public structures.
In a statement released to journalists on Thursday, Ndume condemned the recent violence in Kwam village, near the Dille community of Askira-Uba Local Government Area, where several residents were killed. He also cited the burning of a church and other buildings in Pemi, as well as a fresh assault on Shikarkir community in Chibok Local Government Area.
The senator blamed the renewed wave of attacks on the limited capacity of security agencies to effectively patrol and safeguard remote settlements in the region.
“I am very much perturbed over the renewed attacks by Boko Haram terrorists in parts of my constituency in the last week,” Ndume said. “These attacks have led to the killing of four farmers while harvesting their crops in Kwam village. Just last week, a church and other infrastructures in Pemi were set ablaze, and yesterday, there were reports of Boko Haram invasion in Shikarkir community of Chibok. The situation is worrisome, as the lack of adequate security presence has allowed these attacks to occur without confrontation.”
Ndume commended Governor Babagana Zulum for his swift response in directing the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) and other stakeholders to provide relief materials to the affected communities. He also praised the sacrifices of Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, Theatre Commander of Joint Task Force North East ‘Operation Hadin Kai,’ and his troops for their ongoing efforts to combat terrorism in Borno and the wider region.
The Senator called on the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, and the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Waidi Shaibu, to urgently deploy additional troops to safeguard lives and property in the communities currently under recurrent attacks.
“In addition, I commiserated with the people in the affected communities, especially the victims, while appealing for immediate military intervention to protect those under perpetual Boko Haram attacks in the state,” Ndume said.