BY MUSA IDRIS UMAR, MAY 22, 2025 | 07:39 PM
Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, Governor of Borno has visited nine communities across the Lake Chad region, including a return to Marte on Thursday, where he had earlier spent the night on Saturday.
The governor's tour covered Kala-Balge, Wulgo, Ngala, Lugumani, Gajibo, Koibe, Dikwa, Ajiri, and Marte, all severely affected by the Boko Haram insurgency.
He, who departed Maiduguri last week, is leading a frontline coordination of humanitarian, reconstruction, and security efforts aimed at strengthening local resilience and accelerating the safe resettlement of displaced persons.
While in Marte, the governor held a strategic meeting with top military commanders behind closed doors, discussing renewed efforts to consolidate peace and restore civil authority in the region.
'I came back to Marte to assess the progress of our re-resettlement initiative. I am glad to see the community fully reoccupied, with security personnel on the ground and economic activities picking up. Insha Allah, we will soon see full normalcy restored,' Zulum stated.
Also, Speaking to journalists during the visit, Gov. Zulum expressed deep appreciation to the federal government and the Nigerian Armed Forces for their swift response to his earlier call for enhanced security deployment in Marte and neighbouring communities.
'We made a request, and the federal government responded promptly. The Nigerian Armed Forces have deployed more troops and equipment. Their support is commendable, and without it, our efforts would not have achieved this level of success,' the governor said.
'I thank all the stakeholders who have continued to work with us in our pursuit of peace and sustainable development across Borno State,' he added.
The governor’s visits mark a significant moment in Borno’s recovery process, as confidence continues to grow among resettled residents and government-led reconstruction gathers momentum across the region.