Gov. Zulum Blast Security Personnel
The Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Zulum, has accused the Nigerian Army of failing to protect the Nigerian citizens, being their core responsibility.
The governor spoke at Jakana yesterday while reacting to the incident last Friday, as travelers were killed and some abducted.
The governor highly condemned the ugly incident along Maiduguri-Damaturu Highway as he expressed disappointment.
In his words: “Honestly speaking, we are not happy; the Nigerian Army has failed in discharging their responsibility of protecting the commuters … majority of Boko Haram attacks along this Maiduguri-Damaturu-Kano Road keep happening between Auno and Jakana.
“I have had occasions to defend the Nigerian military to boost the morale of commanders and their troops at the frontlines because I know the real picture of things.
“However, I am really disappointed that despite all support from both the Federal Government and from us in Borno State, our military is failing to secure an area of 20 kilometres, which is the distance between Auno and Jakana,” he decried.
“So, if the military cannot secure 20 kilometres, how can they keep us with the hope they will defeat the Boko Haram?”
Zulum further criticized the Nigerian Army and the Rapid Response Squad, which incorporates well-equipped police officers, vigilantes, and local hunters set up by the Borno State government.
The governor noted that the security teams had deserted the Maiduguri-Damaturu Road, giving Boko Haram a chance to operate at will.
“With all of you (journalists), we drove from Maiduguri to Jakana, we did not see soldiers on the road; we did not see even our own Rapid Response Squad on this road, and they were trained, employed, kitted and paid to protect all Nigerians within their areas of operation and these Nigerians include travellers plying this busy and important road,” he said.
Zulum reassures residents along the road on meeting with security personnel to step up measures in tackling the highway insecurity issues.
He further urged them to continually support the military by providing relevant information on the activities of insurgents.
