Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Zulum, has raised the alarm that only one town out of 300 remains under government control in Marte Local Government Area, warning that Boko Haram terrorists are on the brink of taking over the entire LGA.
The governor issued the warning on Sunday following his visit to the area, where he appealed to the Federal Government to urgently deploy decisive strategies to prevent Marte town from falling completely into the hands of Boko Haram/ISWAP insurgents.
Zulum, who visited Marte on Saturday, assessed the situation on the ground and explored sustainable solutions to restore stability to the region.
Speaking to journalists on Sunday, the governor said his visit was aimed at fostering community cooperation, resilience, and continuous support for security agencies.
“Marte was resettled about four years ago, but unfortunately, over the last three days, it was ransacked and was displaced again,” he lamented.
“About 20,000 people left Marte for Dikwa; this huge number is a threat as allowing them to stay in the camp may make most of the younger ones become vulnerable to recruitment by the insurgents,” Zulum warned.
“Hitherto, Marte Local Government comprises over 300 towns and villages. Now we have only one standing. If we cannot maintain this one, then we will lose the whole local government to the insurgents, which will be very obnoxious, and I think we will not allow this to happen.
“Therefore, I am calling on the Federal Government and the Nigerian Army so that we can put our heads together and hold our ground for this single town in this LGA to remain,” he added.
Zulum, however, expressed optimism, noting that many displaced residents had started returning following his visit and the efforts of security agencies and civilian volunteers.
“Alhamdulillah, we returned to Marte yesterday and spent the night with the support of the Nigerian Army and our volunteers. The community is now resettled for the second time. Still, my prayers to the Federal Government of Nigeria and the Nigerian Army are that we do everything possible to keep this town on the ground,” he said.
The governor reiterated his commitment to supporting security forces in their quest to restore peace in the state.
“On my part as the Governor of Borno State, I would do everything within my power to support our gallant military in their efforts towards lasting peace in our beloved state,” he stated.
