Zulum Visits Families of 63 Slain Borno Residents
Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, visited Darajamal, a community in Bama, on Saturday to console families of the 63 people killed by Boko Haram insurgents on Friday night. The casualties included five soldiers and about 58 civilians, many of whom had returned to Darajamal after being displaced by previous insurgent attacks.
Governor Zulum expressed deep sorrow at the tragedy, met with community leaders, and condemned the attack. He also called for the immediate deployment of newly trained Forest Guards to support the military in protecting vulnerable communities, as the military’s numerical strength is not sufficient to cover all areas.
Senator Kaka Shehu Lawan, representing the area, condemned the attack as a crime against humanity and pledged legislative support for peace restoration efforts.
The attack involved Boko Haram militants storming the village, opening fire, setting homes ablaze, and destroying about 24 houses.
This tragic event happened only two months after over 3,000 displaced persons had been resettled in newly constructed housing in the community.
Governor Zulum described the situation as a major setback for resettlement efforts but appealed to residents to remain as more protection would be provided.
The Nigerian Air Force responded with airstrikes that killed about 30 militants following the attack.
Zulum, visibly moved by the incident, met with community leaders and consoled the bereaved families. He expressed grief and condemned the brutal attack in the strongest terms.
Speaking to newsmen, the governor said, “We are here to commiserate with the people of Darajamal over what happened last night that has claimed the lives of many people. It is very sad. This community was settled a few months ago and they go about their normal activities, but unfortunately, they experienced Boko Haram attack last night. Our visit is to commiserate with them and build their resilience.”
On the casualties, the Governor said, “at this moment we have confirmed that 63 people lost their lives, both civilians and military, although the civilian casualties are more. Close to about 60 civilians and 5 soldiers lost their lives.”
Governor Zulum, while noting the challenges faced in the fight against insecurity, also called for the immediate deployment of the newly trained Forest Guards to complement the military in safeguarding vulnerable communities.
He said, “We have to take note that the numerical strength of the military is not enough to cover everywhere, so far so good, two sets of Forest Guards have been trained, therefore one of the solutions that we need to implement immediately is to deploy the trained Forest Guards to most of the locations that are vulnerable, they will protect the forest and communities.”
Also, the Senator representing Borno Central, Kaka Shehu Lawan, whose constituency Darajamal falls under, has condemned the attack, describing it as a crime against humanity.
He expressed his commitment to supporting Governor Babagana Umara Zulum through legislative backing to restore peace in Borno State.
