Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Babagana Zulum, on Saturday, said he acknowledged the ‘supreme sacrifices’ of frontline troops battling to secure the Borno State from the threats of Boko Haram terrorists.

Zulum, who addressed troops of 25 Task Force Brigade of Nigerian Army in Damboa, also declared the state’s support and citizens’ cooperation in the fight against the terrorists.

He sympathised deeply with the officers and soldiers in the front-line, and commended the hard work that each of them put in their daily operations.

SPONSOR AD

“On behalf of the government and good people of Borno State. We are here in Damboa purposely to commiserate with you over the recent setback which claimed the lives of some of your colleagues.

“It is an unfortunate event, and I want to extend my condolences to you and the families of all the officers and men of this brigade who lost their lives while discharging their duties. We pray to Almighty Allah to heal those injured in action as soon as possible.

“For those of you who are still alive and healthy, we pray that God will protect you, give you the vision and strength to carry out your duties effectively. You have been doing very well. We have acknowledged your support and would like to commend you.

“I want to once again sympathise with you on behalf of the government and good people of Borno State, and to assure you that we will do everything possible within the resources available to us to support your mission and vision to end the crisis,” he said.

The governor was received by the Brigade Commander of 25 Task Force Brigade, Brigadier General Igwe Patrick Omokeh.

The visit was part of Zulum’s tour of communities in southern Borno. Earlier, the governor met with grieving families in Chibok, where he commiserated with them over the loss of lives and property, offering condolences and immediate relief to those that lost properties.

During the Chibok meeting, the governor announced concrete measures to protect lives and property.

He noted that the state government, in collaboration with the federal government and security agencies, is implementing enhanced measures to protect vulnerable communities against future attacks.

“We are here to offer our condolences over what happened these past days in Chibok general area, especially to those who lost their lives. The situation is painful. We are here to show our sorrow over what happened.

“Death comes at its appointed time. We offer you our condolences and assure you that, God willing, the issue of insecurity in Chibok will be resolved. We will provide a permanent solution and put an end to it.

“We will take action. Please be patient. Our thoughts are with you, and one thing that made me happy is how you have remained calm and stayed in your communities despite everything,” Zulum said.

The governor announced financial assistance of N1 million to the bereaved families and N500,000 to those whose properties were destroyed during the recent attacks.