Zulum: Insurgents Attack Ngoshe After Being Displaced From Sambisa

Governor of Borno State, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, asserted that the assault on Ngoshe within Gwoza Local Government Area was prompted by the displacement of insurgents from their positions in Sambisa Forest.

The governor made this statement during a visit to the community to extend sympathies to families who have lost loved ones in the recent attack.

During the incident, numerous residents and soldiers were killed as the insurgents raided Ngoshe, resulting in significant damage to both public and private properties.

Zulum, while visiting Pulka on Friday, emphasized that he was there to console the families affected by the tragedy, which he described as heartbreaking.

He remarked that the state government is undertaking efforts to restore security in the locality and provide humanitarian assistance to those impacted.

"We are here today to share in the grief of the people of Ngoshe who have lost their loved ones due to the unfortunate event that transpired on Tuesday. It is profoundly saddening, and our thoughts are with all families affected by this heartbreaking event," Zulum stated.

The governor assured the community that all necessary actions would be taken to confront the dire situation they are facing. He also promised that Nigerian military forces would make every effort to rescue those who have been kidnapped.

Zulum explained that military operations are actively being conducted in both Ngoshe and Sambisa Forest to eliminate the presence of insurgents.

"Operation in the Sambisa Game Reserve is ongoing. The attack we witnessed yesterday was primarily due to insurgents being pushed from their fortresses, leading to coordinated strikes on adjacent communities," he elucidated.

He called for the Nigerian Army to enhance their efforts to eliminate insurgents from the Mandara Hills, which he identified as a critical security concern.

“The Mandara Hills continue to pose significant security risks. Insurgents descended from these hills to assault our town. Thus, I urge the Nigerian Army and the Federal Government to escalate their operations aimed at clearing out insurgents from Mandara Hills,” Zulum added.

The governor acknowledged that the precise number of casualties remains unconfirmed as evaluations are still in progress; however, he recognized that many lives were lost and several individuals were abducted.

As part of immediate humanitarian measures, Zulum announced that the state government had commenced the distribution of relief supplies and the establishment of cooking points to provide meals for displaced individuals.

"For the time being, we will distribute food items to those affected, and I have instructed that cooking facilities be set up so that everyone in this community can receive meals from a central location," he stated.

The governor urged residents to maintain peace and compliance with the law, reaffirming that the Borno State government would amplify its efforts to manage the situation.

"We will remain steadfast in our dedication to delivering sustainable peace and stability in the state," he asserted.

Zulum expressed confidence that with persistent military operations and collaborative efforts among different government tiers, overcoming this challenge is within reach. "Insha Allah, peace will return completely to our land," he concluded.

Additionally, Governor Zulum inspected properties that were destroyed in a separate attack by Boko Haram insurgents in Konduga town on Thursday.