Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, has issued a stern warning to farming and fishing communities in Baga, cautioning them against collaborating with Boko Haram insurgents. He described such partnerships as a significant threat to the region’s ongoing efforts to maintain peace and stability.
Zulum delivered the warning during a visit to Baga town on Wednesday, where he addressed residents at the district head’s palace. In his speech, the governor urged the people to limit their agricultural activities to areas authorized by the military to avoid falling into the hands of insurgents.
“I encourage the people of Baga and neighboring communities to focus their farming activities solely within the areas approved by the military,” Zulum stated. He emphasized that following the guidance set by the military and the state government was vital for both their personal safety and the stability of the state.
The governor’s warning comes on the heels of a recent attack in Dumba, located in the Kukawa Local Government Area, where 40 farmers were killed by fighters from the Islamic State of the West African Province (ISWAP). Zulum strongly condemned any form of cooperation with insurgents, calling it “unacceptable and detrimental” to the ongoing efforts to restore peace in the region.
While stressing the importance of supporting agriculture, Zulum underscored the need for residents to adhere to military and government protocols to ensure both their livelihoods and the security of the state.
As part of his visit, the governor also inspected a 2,000-hectare solar-powered irrigation project at Mile 3 in Baga, a significant initiative aimed at boosting agricultural production in Borno. Zulum hailed the project as a critical step toward enhancing food security in the state and beyond.
“This project aligns perfectly with President Bola Tinubu’s vision of achieving food sufficiency and reducing production costs. It will play a key role in transforming agricultural practices in Borno State,” he remarked. He announced plans to use the irrigated land for cassava cultivation after the wheat harvest, leveraging the solar-powered system to reduce operational expenses.
The governor’s visit also included discussions on accelerating reconstruction efforts in key sectors such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure, particularly in the aftermath of years of insurgent violence.
During his trip, Zulum commended the troops of the 101 Special Forces Battalion for their bravery and assured them of continued support from the state government. He was accompanied by members of the National Assembly and senior government officials.
