Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, has renewed calls for the immediate deployment of military personnel to border communities in the state following a fresh Boko Haram attack on Kirawa in Gwoza Local Government Area.
Zulum made the appeal on Friday during a visit to Kirawa, where he consoled residents after insurgents struck the town on Monday night, killing two people and destroying homes, vehicles, and the district head’s residence.
The governor described the incident as preventable, noting that his repeated warnings about the dangers of leaving key border towns unguarded had not been given the required attention by the military.
“Communities such as Wulgo, Baga, Damasak, Malam Fatori, and Kirawa are of strategic importance and must not be left unsecured,” Zulum said. “Unfortunately, despite my earlier appeals, troops were not stationed here, leaving the people vulnerable to attacks.”
According to him, the insurgents also set ablaze a local dispensary, which he promised to rebuild into a general hospital, while also assuring residents that all destroyed homes would be rehabilitated and victims considered for compensation.
The governor disclosed that he had met with the Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai, the GOC of the 7th Division of the Nigerian Army, and the MNJTF Force Commander, who all agreed that soldiers would soon be deployed to Kirawa.
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He further announced plans to strengthen the Civilian JTF and local vigilantes with new equipment and hinted at the introduction of modern technology to improve security surveillance in the area.
Kirawa, which was initially secured with the assistance of Cameroonian forces about seven years ago, lost that protection months ago when the foreign troops were dislodged by insurgents.
Zulum reassured the people of the government’s commitment, saying: “We will not abandon you. Security will be restored, and your community will be rebuilt.”