Borno State Governor, Prof Babagana Umara Zulum, has said the attack on Ngoshe in Gwoza Local Government Area was a result of insurgents being pushed from their Sambisa strongholds.

The governor made the remark during a visit to the community to commiserate with the families who lost their loved ones in the attack.

Scores of residents and soldiers were killed when terrorists attacked Ngoshe community in Gwoza Local Government Area, destroying both public and private property.

Zulum, who commiserated with the people in Pulka on Friday, said his visit was to meet the families that lost their loved ones, describing the incident as tragic.

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He noted that the government would soon restore security in the area and provide humanitarian support to the victims.

“We are here today to commiserate with the people of Ngoshe that have lost their loved ones following the unfortunate incident that occurred on Tuesday. The situation is very sad and our hearts go out to all those affected by this tragedy,” Zulum said.

“I want to assure you that we will do everything possible to address the unfortunate situation that has befallen this community. And for those who have been abducted, the Nigerian military will do everything within its capacity to rescue them,” Zulum assured.

Governor Zulum explained that military operations are currently ongoing in Ngoshe and the Sambisa Forest to rid the area of criminal elements.

“There are ongoing military operations within the Sambisa Game Reserve. What we witnessed yesterday was largely a result of insurgents being pushed out from their strongholds, which led them to launch coordinated attacks on nearby communities,” he explained.

He called on the Nigerian Army to intensify operations to clear insurgents from the Mandara Hills, which he described as a major security threat.

“The Mandara Hills remain a major security concern. The insurgents descended from the hills to attack this town. Therefore, I call on the Nigerian Army and the Federal Government to intensify efforts to clear Mandara Hills of insurgents,” Zulum said.

The governor noted that the exact number of casualties is yet to be confirmed as assessments were still ongoing, but acknowledged that several lives were lost, with many others abducted.

As part of immediate humanitarian intervention, Zulum said the state government had begun the distribution of relief materials and establishing cooking points to provide food for displaced residents.

“For now, we will distribute food items to those affected and I have directed that coking points be established so that everyone in this community can receive meals from a central kitchen,” he said.

The governor appealed to residents to remain calm and law-abiding, noting that Borno State government would double its efforts to curb the situation.

“We shall not relent in our commitment to restoring lasting peace and stability in the state,” he said.

“I strongly believe that with sustained military operations and cooperation between all levels of government, we will overcome this challenge. Insha Allah, peace will return fully to our land,” the governor added.

Similarly, Governor Zulum inspected houses burned during an attack by Boko Haram insurgents on Thursday in Konduga town. (Daily Trust)