Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum has issued a stern warning to farming and fishing communities in Baga against collaborating with Boko Haram insurgents, describing any witting or unwitting collaboration with the insurgents as a significant threat to peace and stability in the region.
Zulum, who gave the warning during his address to residents at the palace of the District Head in Baga town on Wednesday – yesterday, January 15 – urged the people of Baga and surrounding communities “to conduct their farming activities only within areas approved by the military.”
Emphasising the importance of complying with guidelines set by the Nigerian military and the Borno government, Zulum explained that while his government would continue to support agricultural activities in the area, “it is critical that our people comply with the guidelines to ensure their safety and the stability of the State.”
Zulum’s visit came on the heels of a recent attack by the Islamic State of the West African Province (ISWAP) in Dumba, Kukawa Local Government Area of the state, resulting in the killing of 40 farmers.
Reiterating his warning against any form of collaboration with insurgents, Zulum declared it “unacceptable and detrimental to ongoing efforts to restore stability in the state.”
The Governor, who inspected a 2,000-hectare solar-powered surface irrigation system at Mile 3 in Baga, part of his government’s effort to boost agricultural productivity in the area, hailed the project as a milestone towards enhancing farming activities and achieving food security in Borno and beyond.
Zulum announced plans to utilise the irrigated land for cassava cultivation after the wheat harvest, leveraging the solar-powered system to reduce operational expenses.
“This initiative will transform agricultural production in Borno State and strengthen our comparative advantage in wheat and cassava farming,” he said.
The Governor received a warm reception in Kukawa town, where he pledged to accelerate reconstruction efforts in education, healthcare, and infrastructure, commending the troops of the 101 Special Forces Battalion for their gallantry.
Accompanied by members of the National Assembly and top government officials, the Borno Governor assured the troops and the community of continued support from the state government.
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