Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Zulum, returned to Marte on Thursday, after spending a night in the community last Saturday.
The visit was part of the ongoing efforts to restore peace, rebuild trust and foster sustainable development in the Lake Chad region, which members of the Boko Haram terrorist group infest.
Zulum, who left Maiduguri last week, has been coordinating security logistics and building resilience among residents affected by the recent surge in Boko Haram attacks.
According to a statement by the governor’s press team, Zulum has visited nine communities since last Saturday: Marte, Kala-Balge, Wulgo, Ngala, Lugumani, Gajibo, Koibe, Dikwa, and Ajiri.
During the visit, the governor was said to have held closed-door meetings with military commanders to receive proper briefings on modalities for restoring peace in Marte and the surrounding communities.
The governor was quoted as having said during his return to Marte: “I am here to monitor the efficacy of our ‘re-resettlement’ of the residents we conducted a few days ago. I am very happy to note that the community is fully back, and soldiers are on the ground. Normal economic activities have resumed in Marte.”
He added, “I am very happy, and insha Allah, normalcy will be restored soon.”
The governor was accompanied by members representing Marte, Monguno and Nganzai constituencies at the House of Representatives, Engr. Bukar Talba, Commissioner for Local Government and Emirate Affairs, Sugun Mai Mele, Commissioner for Agriculture, Engr. Bawu Musami, Permanent Secretary of Government House, and Barr. Mustapha Ali Busuguma, among many senior officials.
Meanwhile, Governor Babagana Zulum has commended the federal government and the military for responding to his call for Marte’s protection from falling to the insurgents.
Zulum made the commendation on Thursday in Marte town while speaking to journalists. He said, “The federal government and the Nigerian Armed Forces have responded positively to our request to enhance security in the affected communities. We have seen many troops deployed and many pieces of equipment deployed.
“I want to commend the Nigerian Armed Forces for the cooperation they have been giving us; without their support, we couldn’t have done much. I want, once again, to commend all stakeholders who have contributed to our search for peace and the restoration of normalcy.”
