Attack on Gov Zulum’s convoy ‘alarming’ – Arewa Consultative Forum

The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) on Saturday condemned the latest Boko Haram attack on the convoy of Borno State governor, Babagana Zulum, as “alarming.”

In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Emmanuel Yawe, in Kaduna, the ACF described the incident in which 30 persons including security agents were killed as “alarming.”

The terrorists had on Friday night attacked the governor’s convoy between Monguno and Baga and killed several policemen, soldiers and some members of the state government-backed joint task force.

Governor Zulum was on his way to Baga town to inspect structures being put in place toward the communities of destroyed by Boko Haram when the attackers opened fire on the convoy.

The statement read: “We are alarmed that the deadly attacks have continued despite assurances we have received from the military and the Federal Government of an improved security situation.

“In the attacks of yesterday (Friday), 11 security personnel were killed.

“Only last week, a serving senior military officer, Col. Bako, was ambushed and killed around Demboa in same Borno.

READ ALSO: BOKO HARAM ATTACK: Borno facing tough situation – Gov Zulum

“In July, Zulum came under gunfire while on official tour.

“These attacks are affecting public confidence in the ability of the military to successfully defend Nigeria in the ongoing war against terror.”

The Forum, however, urged the military to act swiftly to restore public confidence.

The ACF opined that the terrorists were targeting Governor Zulum because he was raising hope in a demoralised country.

“If anything untoward happens to him, the consequences for the rest of the country will be grave.

“It is instructive to note that the attack on the governor’s convoy happened while he was trying to move some IDPs back to their permanent homes from camps.

“These attacks have raised questions on the ability of the military to ensure the safety of IDPs seeking to return to their homes. The military and the federal government must act swiftly to end this war,” it added.

Join the conversation

Opinions

Support Ripples Nigeria, hold up solutions journalism

Balanced, fearless journalism driven by data comes at huge financial costs.

As a media platform, we hold leadership accountable and will not trade the right to press freedom and free speech for a piece of cake.

If you like what we do, and are ready to uphold solutions journalism, kindly donate to the Ripples Nigeria cause.

Your support would help to ensure that citizens and institutions continue to have free access to credible and reliable information for societal development.

Donate Now