Bombing in Borno seen as attempt to thwart resettlement plans, says Zulum

Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State believes that the recent bomb blast in Gwoza Local Government was a deliberate attempt to undermine his administration’s efforts to resettle displaced persons.

Zulum spoke to newsmen at the Muhammadu Buhari International Airport in Maiduguri on Saturday, following his return from a 28-day absence during which he performed the Hajj and took a vacation.

Zulum said, “What has happened in Gwoza was very unfortunate at this significant time when we are celebrating the exit of Boko Haram insurgency in Borno State, we witnessed a series of bomb attacks.”

He added, “I believe this is an act of sabotage, because at this time when we look forward to seeing how we shall resettle people back to their communities. I think some don’t like Borno State’s resettlement agenda.

“I want to appeal to the people of Gwoza to remain calm and law-abiding. The state government will partner with the federal government to ensure that IDPs are resettled in their communities.”

The governor also reaffirmed his commitment to boosting agriculture and combating food insecurity in the state, a key priority for his administration.

The governor said “We will ensure that we do more than what we did for the people of Bono State. I know there are challenges in Nigeria, especially the problem of food scarcity. But I think it is temporary.”