Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume, representing Southern Borno, has expressed deep concern over a spate of renewed Boko Haram attacks in his constituency, which have left four farmers dead and destroyed churches and other infrastructure.
In a statement made available to journalists today, Ndume condemned the recent killings in Kwam village near Dille, Askira-Uba Local Government Area, the burning of a church and other structures in Pemi, and the latest incursion into Shikarkir community in Chibok Local Government Area, a predominantly Christian settlement.
The Senator attributed the resurgence of attacks to inadequate security surveillance in remote areas, noting that the lack of military presence has emboldened terrorists to strike at will.
“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 infrastructure in Pemi were set ablaze, and yesterday, there were reports of Boko Haram invading Shikarkir in Chibok. The situation is worrisome, as inadequate security presence has allowed these attacks to occur without confrontation.”
He commended Governor Babagana Umara Zulum for his swift response, including directing the State Emergency Management Agency and other stakeholders to provide relief materials to affected communities.
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Ndume also praised Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, Theatre Commander of Joint Task Force North East “Operation Hadin Kai,” and his troops for their continued sacrifice in combating insurgency across Borno and the wider North-East.
Calling for immediate reinforcement, Ndume urged the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, and the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Waidi Shaibu, to deploy more troops to protect vulnerable communities.
“I commiserate with the affected communities and appeal for urgent military intervention to safeguard lives and property in areas repeatedly attacked by Boko Haram,” he said.
