Chibok Attacks: Governor Zulum Calls for Community Resilience and Decisive Military Action

By Ibrahim Umar,
Kanempress News,
21st, January,2025

The Borno State Government has expressed grave concern over recent spikes in terrorist activities across certain vulnerable areas of the state. Ongoing investigations focus on recent attacks in Chibok, Damboa, and Kukawa Local Government Areas (LGAs) with the aim of implementing necessary measures to address the challenge.

The Executive Governor of Borno State, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has received security briefings regarding multiple attacks by suspected Boko Haram terrorists in the Southern Borno Senatorial District, particularly in Damboa and Chibok. These attacks have resulted in numerous casualties and the destruction of homes and places of worship in Bamzir, Njilang, Shikarkir, and Yimirmugza villages of Chibok. The worst-affected wards include Shikarki, Whuntaku, Mbalala, and Pemi. Reports indicate that at least 74 individuals have been displaced, two wounded, and five lives lost, with property worth millions of Naira destroyed. Additionally, five churches were destroyed, and several market stalls and business premises vandalized.

Upon receiving these reports, Governor Zulum reached out to the affected communities, both directly and through their political representatives and community leaders, to extend his deep sympathy and condolences to the affected families on behalf of the government.

The attacks on Chibok communities bring to mind the tragic abduction of over 200 schoolgirls in 2014. Over the years, the government has made significant investments in rebuilding Chibok, securing the release of most of the abducted girls, and restoring the dignity and honor of its people. It is unfortunate that, as the people of Chibok begin to rebuild their lives, these heartless insurgents are attacking them once again. However, Governor Zulum noted with relief that, despite the attacks and displacement, the majority of Chibok’s residents have remained calm, resilient, and firmly rooted in their ancestral homes without fear or anxiety.

On Tuesday, January 14, 2025, the Borno State Security Council convened its regular meeting to discuss the state’s security situation. The Council reviewed security reports from military and security units across the state and acknowledged that, while there is a firm grip on the security situation by our gallant forces, certain vulnerable enclaves require enhanced tactical measures. The Council expressed gratitude to our troops and urged them to address the identified loopholes.

It was also noted that Boko Haram insurgents have been significantly reduced in the state, though pockets of insurgent elements continue to cause sporadic havoc in our communities. In-fighting within the insurgent factions further exacerbates the situation. Driven by hunger and desperation, these remnants attack vulnerable communities to seize vital supplies for survival.

The Borno State Government observed that recent insurgent attacks appear to target newly resettled towns and economically viable communities where agriculture and livelihoods are thriving. Chibok, in particular, has been flourishing, which seems to have incited the terrorists.

Despite these security breaches, Borno is experiencing significant recovery, with central, southern, and northern parts of the state witnessing booms in agriculture. The insurgents’ attacks may aim to sabotage the government’s resettlement and recovery plans. Globally, terrorists tend to target a state’s economic backbone to cripple it. Borno, being a rural, agrarian state, relies heavily on agriculture, fishing, and animal husbandry for growth and prosperity.

The Borno State Government remains committed to its mass resettlement plan, as outlined in the state’s policy on durable solutions to internal displacement (2024) and the 25-Year Development Plan (2020).

Governor Zulum urged the people of Chibok not to be intimidated by the insurgents and assured them that the government and security agencies would work tirelessly to prevent future attacks by shifting military tactics from defensive to offensive measures. He encouraged all citizens to remain resolute and resilient, as insurgents fear a united and determined populace.

Prof. Usman Tar, fspsp, Commissioner of Information and Internal Security, Borno State, stated that “the recent rise in insurgent attacks across the state appears to target newly resettled towns and economically viable communities where agriculture and livelihood are fast-thriving. Chibok is thriving, and the terrorists appear to be infuriated by this trend.”