Insurgents Don’t Want Us To Have Peace — Zulum Reacts To ISWAP Attack

Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, has reacted to the recent attack in the state by terrorists of the Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP).

Ezenwoko’s Blog reports that the deadly sect on Saturday, November 13, laid ambush on men of the Nigerian army in Askira town in Askira Uba Local Government Area of the state.

A Brigadier-General and Commander of the army 28 task force brigade, Dzarma Zirkusu alongside three other soldiers were murdered during the attack.

The gallant soldiers including the commander were reportedly heading to Askira for reinforcement when the terrorist group ambushed them.

Commiserating with the family of the deceased and the entire armed forces, Babagana in a statement issued by Isa Gusau, his spokesperson, said the troops paid supreme sacrifices serving the nation.

The governor said the state is appreciative of the sacrifices of the fallen heroes.

Babagana said while the government will continue to provide support for the security men, there is a need to redouble efforts.

He lamented the insecurity status of the nation, saying that some insurgents do not want peace to be established amongst residents.

Babagana added: “Today’s unfortunate incident in Askira-Uba local government area reminds us that while our military, other armed forces, volunteers and all stakeholders make combined severe efforts towards peace-building; while many insurgents surrender their arms to tow the path of peace and while reclaimed communities witness the return of peace and access to livelihoods, some insurgents are hell-bent on ensuring we do not fully regain peace.

“The goal of these categories of insurgents should challenge us to remain focused and ceaselessly commit ourselves to support our troops in many ways, particularly with logistics on the part of Government, and with credible information and prayers on the part of all of us as people of Borno State. We must always affirm our fates in our armed forces, while the armed forces must remain up and do.

“We must always recognize what we already know, that insurgents are always plotting with the elements of surprise. Our troops must redouble efforts to be ahead of insurgents. I salute our troops for the resistance put up today. I salute troops who mobilized to provide reinforcement. I salute the sacrifices of some officers and men we lost today and share the grieves of the immediate families and the Nigerian military.”