Cry For Help: Boko Haram Has Occupied Borno: SSG Says

The activities of Boko Haram in Borno state have become cause for alarm, the Secretary to the State Government, Baba Ahmad Jidda has said.

The Nation reports that Jidda made a statement to newsmen in Abuja today, September 7, 2014 as regards the insecurity currently plaguing Borno.

The statement reads:

A deep appraisal of the condition prevailing in Borno State at the moment shows a disrupted environment that is in desperate need of peace and restoration.

As a result of the insurgency caused by Boko Haram, large swathes of the land in the state is currently inaccessible. Normal governmental, economic, social and political activities have been dislocated with huge numbers of displaced persons living in refugee camps in Maiduguri, neighbouring states as well as Niger, Chad and Cameroon.

The State of Emergency is still in force with its attendant curfews and restrictions on free movement and assembly.

The Maiduguri Airport is also closed limiting access significantly to and out of Borno State. The threat to security of lives and property as a result of the criminal activities of the Boko Haram insurgents is everywhere and indeed the limited peace prevailing in Maiduguri and the few other areas is achieved largely due to alertness and corporation of the Civilian JTF and the security agencies.

Moreover the search and rescue efforts for the abducted Chibok School girls remain on the front burner.

The above scenario presents a troubling condition that affects all and sundry in Borno State and the North-East as a Zone.

At this very moment, most parts of Borno State are being occupied by Boko Haram insurgents. Government presence and administration is minimal or non-existent across many parts of the state, with economic, commercial and social services totally subdued. Schools and clinics remain closed.

The SSG also reportedly said that it is necessary for all political leaders and stakeholders in Borno State to unite and meet with President Goodluck Jonathan for the purpose of finding a solution to the problem.