Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum has raised concerns over the resurgence of Boko Haram activities, revealing that Marte Local Government Area is nearly completely overrun by the insurgents.
Speaking during a visit to the LGA, Zulum said only one community remains under government control in Marte, which originally comprised over 300 towns and villages.
The governor said: “Now we have only one standing. If we cannot maintain this one, then we will lose the entire local government to the insurgents, which would be devastating.
“We must not allow this to happen.”
He appealed to the federal government and the Nigerian Army to urgently intervene to prevent total loss of control in the area.
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Zulum also disclosed that Marte residents who had been resettled four years ago were once again displaced following a renewed wave of attacks in the last three days, with about 20,000 people fleeing to Dikwa.
He added: “This massive displacement is worrisome.
“If these youths stay long in the camps without support, they may become vulnerable to Boko Haram recruitment.”
In response to the worsening insecurity, Zulum declared a one-day prayer and fasting session across the state.
Boko Haram’s insurgency has devastated Nigeria’s North-East region for years. According to the United Nations Development Programme, about 350,000 people have been killed since the conflict began.
Human Rights Watch also reports that as of July 2022, over 2.2 million people had been displaced, with more than 280,000 fleeing to neighbouring countries, including Cameroon, Chad, and Niger.
LUKMAN ABDULMALIK
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