Governor Babagana Umara Zulum of Borno State has called on the people of states threatened by terrorists to stand up and assist the Government in ending the menace.
He admitted in Gusau, Monday, 31st January, that government alone cannot combat the terror ravaging their domains.
Zulum made the call when he paid a visit to Governor Bello Mohammed Matawalle to comisserate with him and the people of Zamfara State over the loss of lives and property arising from the activities of terrorists in the state.
He said the people were saddened, especially by the recent attacks on communities in Anka and Bukkuyum Emirates where many lives and property were lost.
“We in Borno State and here in Zamfara state, we share a common problem which we have to face squarely”, Governor Zullum noted, admitting, however, “but Government alone cannot end the problem.”
He called on all citizens of the affected states to stand up and assist the Government in their various ways, believing, “Collectively, we shall triumph.”
Governor Zullum said that Borno has recorded massive losses from years of insurgency resulting in over 50,000 widows, 49,000 ophans and about 100,000 missing persons, saying that his administration is doing its best to address these human crises.
“Your Excellency, I commend your vision and tenacity without which you cannot come this way in the success you are recording against terrorism and the upliftment of your people to greater heights”, Governor Zullum told Governor Matawalle.
Governor Zulum promised to continue relating and liasing with Governor Matawalle in order to end the common problems facing their states.
He donated the sum of N20 million to the victims of recent banditry attacks in the state on behalf of Borno State Government.
Responding, Governor Matawalle commended his Borno State counterpart for the concern and finding the time to visit Zamfara State despite his own problems in Borno state.
“Borno and Zamfara share similar problem of terrorists attacks,” Governor Matawalle said, disclosing, “I know how we share information, intelligence and the committment to ending these problems we inherited.”
He said with the committment as well as the prayers and the support of the people the state’s would triumph over terror.
He said that just like in Borno state, Zamfara has recorded losses in human and material forms with no fewer than 25,000 ophans, 27,000 widows and over 3,000 houses destroyed with nearly 400,000 livestock rustled in the first eight years of the menace.
Governor Matawalle prayed to God will come to the aid of the two states and indeed, all states affected by terrorism, to end their decades of trials.
