Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, has faulted the Minister of Information over his comments on Nigeria’s security situation, describing him as “naive” and unaware of the realities on ground, particularly in the North-East.
“I don’t want to join issues with the Minister of Information. I believe he is naive about what is happening in the country. He doesn’t know what is ongoing in the country,” Zulum stated on Saturday in Maiduguri, while responding to questions from journalists after a sympathy visit to victims of a bomb blast along the Maiduguri-Damboa highway.
Eight persons were confirmed dead, while 21 others sustained injuries in the explosion suspected to have been orchestrated by Boko Haram insurgents. Of the injured, 14 were said to be in critical condition, while 7 sustained minor injuries and are receiving treatment at the State Specialist Hospital in Maiduguri.
“It is regrettable that this is happening at this time. Since last year or so, we have not witnessed an IED [Improvised Explosive Device] attack. The road was closed for about one month, and I believe this is one of the reasons the insurgents had the luxury of planting an IED,” Zulum said.
The Governor extended condolences to the families of the deceased and assured residents of the government’s renewed commitment to security.
“I urge the Nigerian military and other security agencies to beef up surveillance along the road so that such incidents do not happen again,” he said.
“The government of Borno State will continue to partner with the Nigerian military and with the Federal Government to curtail the menace of insurgency. I want to assure the people of Borno State that, Insha Allah, under my watch, we will not allow the security situation to deteriorate.”
He also commended the role of youth volunteers assisting the military and promised increased support to security operatives.
“Our administration will provide more support to the security agencies, and we will strengthen the resilience of our youth volunteers fighting alongside the military.”
Speaking further, Zulum expressed satisfaction with the response of service chiefs following a high-level security meeting in Abuja on Thursday.
“Our discussion during the security council was not bad. We just raised an alarm that Boko Haram activities are resurging in Borno State, and the state government, the military, and other stakeholders need to work together to avert the looming situation,” he said.
“But most importantly, we have been to Abuja, met with the service chiefs and received assurances from them that they will do everything possible to control the situation. We are very happy with their response.”
Security operatives have since cordoned off the scene of the blast as investigations continue.
