GOVERNOR ZULUM URGES FG TO PREVENT MARTE FROM FALLING TO INSURGENTS AFTER RENEWED ATTACKS 19-05-25
By Sadiq Aminu Governor Babagana Zulum has appealed to the Federal Government to implement decisive strategies to prevent Marte Local Government Area from falling into the hands of Boko Haram/ISWAP insurgents.
The Governor made the appeal during a visit to Marte to assess the impact of recent insurgent attacks on a military formation in the area. The attacks led to the displacement of the local government headquarters and the desertion of the community last Friday, with thousands of residents seeking refuge in Dikwa town.
Speaking to journalists during the tour, Governor Zulum emphasized that his visit was aimed at fostering community cooperation, resilience, and sustained support for security agencies in their efforts to restore normalcy to the town. He noted that the area was resettled approximately four years ago but has unfortunately been ransacked and displaced again in recent days.
He said about twenty thousand (20,000) people have left Marte for Dikwa, adding that such a large influx of displaced persons poses a significant threat, as it could make younger individuals vulnerable to recruitment by insurgents.
Governor Zulum reported that, with the support of the Nigerian Army and local volunteers, the community is now being resettled for the second time. He reiterated his appeal to the Federal Government and the Nigerian Army to ensure a permanent presence in the liberated community.
He emphasized that Marte Local Government, which previously comprised over three hundred (300) towns and villages, now consists of only its headquarters. Allowing Marte to be taken over by insurgents, he warned, would mean losing the entire local government and would represent a serious setback in the ongoing fight against insurgency.
The Governor reaffirmed his commitment to supporting security agencies in achieving lasting peace in Borno State, assuring that every possible effort would be made to support the military’s efforts toward restoring stability to the state.