Governors of Nigeria’s 36 states have joined in the rising number of voices against worsening security challenges in the country.
The governors, through their platform – the Nigerian Governors’ Forum – raised their voice after one of them, governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State, narrowly escaped an attack by Boko Hara insurgents last week.
Kayode Fayemi, Chairman of the NGF and governor of Ekiti State Governor, said what happened to Zulum was “one unwarranted attack too many”, and “epitomizes our collective vulnerability and the fragility of the country’s security architecture.”
Zulum came under a volley of gunshots shortly after inspecting a guard of hour mounted by soldiers at a military base between Baga and Monguno. He was on his way to give relief materials to people who are displaced by the insurgency. The intense attack lasted for some minutes, while soldiers surrounded Zulum and shepherded him into a vehicle. He was forced to abort the trip.
“Although you emerged from this incident unscathed, we note with regret the injuries sustained by two members of the CJTF and a police officer attached to your convoy and do accordingly pray for their quick recovery.
“Mr. Governor, forum members are resolutely behind you in your effort to rid Borno State of these dastardly and wicked agents of evil,” Fayemi wrote.
Zulum, who looked unruffled after the attack, lambasted the military, accusing them of sabotage in the attack. While the attackers were believed to be Boko Haram, Zulum said they were not.
Zulum, emphasizing that the town of Baga was important to his government, said he would organize the people to take their destiny in their hands and organize to fight the insurgents to retake the town.
“On our part, the Sub-Committee on Security will be meeting tomorrow and rising from the resolutions thereof will soon dialogue with Mr. President and the nation’s security chiefs, to discuss this worrisome and rapidly degenerating situation,” said Fayemi, who is also chairman of the security sub-committee of the NGF.
“On a final note, Mr. Governor, we thank God for always being merciful.
