A member of the National Assembly, Senator Ali Ndume, has raised concerns that Borno State and the wider North-East region risk falling to Boko Haram insurgents if urgent action is not taken.
Ndume called on the federal government to strengthen the capacity of the Nigerian Army by providing adequate arms and ammunition to effectively combat insurgency and banditry.
The Borno South senator spoke after visiting Ngoshe and Pulka communities alongside Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Zulum, where troops were reportedly overwhelmed by insurgents.
He expressed concern that soldiers were initially overpowered due to the superior firepower of the terrorists.
“I am calling on the federal government to double its efforts in equipping the Army with sophisticated arms and ammunition,” Ndume said.
“I gathered that our soldiers lacked adequate ammunition and had to withdraw from Ngoshe and Pulka because they were overwhelmed. It was only after reinforcements arrived that the areas were reclaimed.”
Ndume described the level of destruction in the affected communities as devastating.
“I have visited Ngoshe; it is something you cannot fully describe. It has been brought down to ground zero. Nothing was left standing except one small mosque,” he said.
He commended Governor Zulum for visiting the affected areas and displaced persons camps, noting that the governor’s presence had a positive psychological impact on residents.
Ndume also urged the federal government to support the Borno State Government in rebuilding the destroyed communities and providing relief to displaced residents.
“There is an urgent need for federal government intervention. The people are resilient and determined to return to their homes, and government must support them,” he added.
He further disclosed plans to engage colleagues at the National Assembly to raise a motion on the situation, while expressing hope that the federal government would act swiftly.
Ndume also commended the Nigerian Army for reclaiming the affected communities after initial setbacks.
Deji Elumoye
About the Author
