I will employ local hunters and vigilantes if Military can’t do the job! – Governor Babagana Zulum declares!
Following the attack on his convoy on Wednesday by suspected Boko Haram Terrorists, Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Zulum has said that he is ready to employ the services of local hunters and vigilantes if the Nigerian Military cannot secure Baga Town where the attack took place.
Babagana Zulum said;
“We have over 1,181 soldiers in Baga; 72 officers, 107 soldiers, 400 soldiers in Mile 4 and 1,900 soldiers in Monguno. I see no reason why Boko Haram will not stop to operate in Baga town.”
“The troops have been in Mile 4 for over one year, there is complete sabotage, the problem is not with President Buhari, or General Buratai but the command and control structures. There is a need to look into the command structure.”
“We have over 80,000 IDPs in Monguno, they cannot continue to depend on NGOs and others for food, we have created an opportunity for them to go back to their communities and continue with their business and farming activities.”
He also said;
“After Sallah, we will go back to Kukawa. We will give time to the military; but if they will not clear Baga, we will mobilise our hunters and vigilantes to recapture Baga… we can’t continue like this. People have to take their destiny in their hands.”
However, spokesperson for the military, Colonel Sagir Musa, who also confirmed the incident said the investigation, as regards the details of the attack, is still ongoing but he reiterated the commitment of the military to conduct its operations professionally, protecting lives and properties in the state as well as sticking to the rules of engagement.
He said;
“The unfortunate incident occurred shortly after the Governor and his entourage departed the Super Camp to visit other parts of Baga town. The incident forced the Governor to abort his planned movement to Baga.”
“Although, details of the unfortunate incident are sketchy and under investigation, efforts are ongoing to comb the area where the incident occurred with a view to track down and deal decisively with the attackers. An investigation is also in progress to identify the circumstances that led to the attack.”
“Regrettably, this is an isolated and most unfortunate incident that occurred in a territory where normalcy has since been restored with socio-economic activities picking up. The Nigerian Army wants to reassure the general public that this will be interrogated with a view to forestalling future re-occurrence.”
Colonel Sagir Musa also enjoined the local communities to support the Army by providing credible information and intelligence to the military in order to help them flush out criminal elements in the state.
“Additionally, Nigerian Army wishes to inform the general public that it will continue to discharge its responsibilities professionally with respect for the fundamental human rights of all Nigerians and in compliance with the extant rules of engagement. The good people of Baga town and indeed the entire Borno State are enjoined to continue to provide credible information that will assist the security agencies to successfully combat terrorism as well as apprehend and flush out the perpetrators of the attack.”
Quote via PUNCH News.
