By: Babagana Bukar Wakil, Maiduguri
The Borno State Government has concluded arrangements for the resettlement of Mairari Ward in Guzamala Local Government Area, marking another step in its ongoing effort to restore displaced communities across the state.
As part of the preparations, a military base has been established in the community, roofing of previously destroyed houses has commenced, while the installation of streetlights is currently ongoing to enhance security and improve living conditions.
To assess the level of preparedness and boost the morale of troops on ground, a high-powered delegation from Guzamala Local Government Area paid a visit to Mairari. The delegation included the Speaker of the Borno State House of Assembly, Abdulkarim Lawan; the Commissioner for Local Government and Emirates Affairs, Alhaji Sugun Mai Mele; the Special Adviser to the Governor on Agriculture, Tijani Goni Modu; a Permanent Commissioner in the State Local Government Service Commission, Kaka Kyari Abdu; and a prominent politician, Isa Kingar.
Mairari, one of the ten wards in Guzamala Local Government Area with a population of over five thousand people, was displaced by insurgency more than a decade ago.
While receiving the delegation at the Mairari military base, the Brigade Commander of Cross Kauwa in Kukawa Local Government Area, Brigadier General S. S. Ahmed, who relocated to Mairari to oversee the resettlement operation, assured that troops under his command are fully prepared and well equipped to ensure a successful resettlement through the restoration of peace in the area and its environs.
He said it is the constitutional responsibility of the military to safeguard lives and property, adding that all necessary measures have been put in place to protect returning residents. Brigadier General Ahmed further disclosed that with the additional manpower provided by the state government through the Ministry of Local Government and Emirates Affairs, residents would soon be able to travel from Monguno to Gajiram without fear of attack. He also called on the people of the state to continue supporting the security agencies with prayers.
In his remarks, the Speaker of the Borno State House of Assembly, Abdulkarim Lawan, commended the Brigade Commander and his team for their dedication to restoring peace in Mairari. He recalled that the community was displaced over ten years ago and expressed satisfaction that its resettlement has now become a reality. The Speaker also praised the combined efforts of the military, the Civilian Joint Task Force, and repentant insurgents in repelling attacks on the area.
On his part, the Commissioner for Local Government and Emirates Affairs, Alhaji Sugun Mai Mele, said the visit was on the directive of Governor Babagana Umara Zulum to appreciate the sustained efforts of the security operatives. He disclosed that members of the Civilian Joint Task Force and repentant insurgents have been deployed to complement military operations, alongside the provision of three patrol vehicles.
Alhaji Sugun Mai Mele reaffirmed the commitment of the Borno State Government to resettle all displaced communities across the state, adding that Gudumbali would be the next community to be resettled after Mairari. He also addressed the newly deployed personnel at the Mairari military base, urging them to cooperate fully with the security agencies to ensure lasting peace in the area.
Meanwhile, the Brigade Commander later led the Commissioner to the scene of a recent attempted terrorist attack, where a vehicle conveying a suicide bomber tried to breach the military base on Friday night but was successfully neutralized and destroyed by troops.
End.
