Abuja, Nigeria – Senator Mohammed Ndume of Borno South has voiced grave concerns over the looting of crops by terrorists in the Gwoza communities of Borno State. In a statement on Wednesday, Ndume revealed that village heads from Ngoshe, Kirawa, Ashigashiya, and surrounding areas had informed him about the distressing situation facing local farmers. These farmers, already battling the hardships of insurgency, are now confronted with the theft of nearly half of their harvested crops by Boko Haram terrorists, leaving them in frustration and hunger.
The senator, a former chair of the Senate Committee on Army, emphasized the need for the Nigerian government to enhance its military capabilities to protect these vulnerable communities. He called for better equipment, training, and motivation for the Nigerian military to effectively combat the terrorist threat.
Ndume recounted his conversation with the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, who reassured him that additional troops would be deployed to Gwoza to secure the area and help farmers protect their crops. He stressed the military’s commitment to ending Boko Haram’s reign of terror but acknowledged that more support is needed to achieve lasting peace.
Addressing rumors about an alleged ambush on his convoy by Boko Haram terrorists, Ndume clarified that although he had returned safely from a condolence visit, his team encountered reports of an ambush targeting Cameroonian soldiers along the Pulka-Kirawa Road. The senator urged residents of the region to remain resilient as Boko Haram’s attacks persist, while also offering condolences to those affected by the ongoing violence.
The resurgence of attacks in the region highlights the continued challenges posed by insurgent groups to the security and livelihoods of people in northeastern Nigeria.