Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State, on Monday visited Jakana, one of the major towns along Maiduguri-Damaturu highway, where he expressed serious anger over frequent attacks on travelers and villagers by Boko Haram.
The latest of such attacks was on Friday, with over 50 travellers abducted.
Zulum said it was disappointing that majority of the attacks within the last two years, took place between Auno and Jakana, a distance of about 20 kilometers, wondering why the military could not secure the area.
“I have had occasions to defend the Nigerian military to boost the morale of commanders and their troops at the front lines because I know the true picture of things. However, I am really disappointed that despite all support from both the Federal Government and from us in Borno State, our military is failing to secure an area of 20 kilometers, which is the distance between Auno and Jakana.
“And incidentally, majority of Boko Haram attacks along this Maiduguri-Damaturu-Kano road, keeps happening between Auno and Jakana. So, if the military cannot secure 20 kilometers, how can they keep us with the hope they will defeat the Boko Haram?
“With all you (journalists), we drove from Maiduguri to here, Jakana. We did not see soldiers on the road. We did not see even our own Rapid Response Squad on this road and they were trained, employed, kitted and paid to protect all Nigerians within their areas of operation and these Nigerians include travelers plying this busy and important road.”
The governor, however, assured residents that he would hold a security meeting and come up with more measures to secure the highway.
