Boko Haram: Borno is better off now –Shettima.
Borno State governor, Kashim Shettima, has debunked a claim from his kingman that Boko Haram controls substantial parts of the state. He insisted on Monday that the state is better off than what it was six months ago.
Shettima told newsmen shortly after returning to Maiduguri from an official visit to Saudi Arabia that Senator Baba Kaka Garbai’s claim that insurgents still occupy most councils in the state could be likened to an emotional outburst.
“It was either the senator was emotional or he was misquoted. The military has recorded tremendous successes in the fight against Boko Haram in the last six months. You know Ngala, Dikwa and some ares were recently liberated and as the Chief Security Officer of the state, I can confidently say Boko Haram has been demoralized, demolarised and degraded. Borno is better off than it was six months ago.”
He said the military may have some challenges in the counter-insurgency operation but maintained the problem were surmountable. “I believe the war is gradually over,” he added. He said the military and President Mohammadu Buhari deserve “special commendation” of Borno people for their level of commitment to ending insurgency. The governor said service chiefs have visited the theatre of operation severally since their appointment to boost the morale of troops, urging the people to support the military and efforts of the Federal Government.
Commenting on his official visit to Saudi Islamic Development Bank with some northern states governor, Shettima said the bank management has promised to help to finance agriculture, education and solar power in the region. He disclosed that the northern governor’s forum under his leadership has constituted a committee to draw an action plan for the region.
While on a visit to Dalori, the governor announced the constitution of a committee and release of N100 million for the rebuilding of the destroyed town where 85 people were killed by Boko Haram last week.
He said the committee will be headed by the state deputy governor, Alhaji Usman Durkwa and assisted by the state chairman of the All Progressive Congress (APC), Hon Bukar Dalori.
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