Convoy Attack: Niger President Sends Delegation To Borno, Commiserates With Zulum

Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, on Sunday, received a high-powered delegation from the President of the Republic of Niger, Muhammadu Yusufu.

They delegation paid him a visit over the recent attack on his convoy in Baga town by terrorists. 

The delegation was led by the Nigerien Minister for Education, Hon Dauda Mommodu Marte.

Other members of the delegation were: Senator Musa Abari, Senator Maina Ofi, Mai Shettimari, Shettima Bukar Shettima Amsa Gana and the Adviser to the Nigerien Minister Of Finance, Hajiya Gambo Suleiman Abba Kyari.

Recall that Zulum’s convoy was twice recently ambushed by Boko Haram terrorists near Baga Local Government Area of the state.

A government convoy was also ambushed by the terrorist sect, resulting in the death of 11 security personnel.

In a message delivered by Marte,  President Yusufu commended Zulum for his tireless efforts in the  reconstruction, rehabilitation and resettlement of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Baga.

Marte said: “Your Excellency, our visit today is at the instance of our President to come and commiserate with you over the unfortunate attack on your convey last month. The President has seen all that has happened in a video clip. He noted that your demonstration of courage in the service to the people is very commendable.

“Many of your people and ours are taking refuge in different places both in the republic of Niger and Nigeria, we have been following your resettlement drive keenly.

“We are all affected by this problem, our people that were displaced by this crisis could not yet return back, we believe that ressettling people back to their communities is the only solution. No Government can sustain the feeding of these large number of people continuously. People should be allowed to go back to their farmlands, people should have to get back their sources of livlilhood.”

He added: “Please do not be discouraged, we understand that the people of Marte and Malamfatori will soon be resettled. Your Excellency when the people of Malamfatori will go back home please inform us, we will join you in solidarity and support. We are the same people, only divided by geographical map. Most of the people from Malamfatori are taking refuge in Niger for the past six years.”

The Nigerien President also extended his condolences to the authorities in Nigeria over the death of the Commander, 25 brigade, Damboa, Col. Dahiru Bako.

In a remark, Zulum appreciated Yusufu for condoling with him, adding that such was an indication of a strong relationship between the two countries.

He noted that he would relate the goodwill extended to him to President Muhammadu Buhari.