By Gbenga Akingbule.
Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum has supported 1000 hunters to fight Boko Haram.
Gatekeepers News reports that the Governor Of Borno State, North East, Nigeria, Prof Babagana Zulum has thrown his weight behind 1000 Volunteer Hunters ordering them to fish out Boko Haram terrorists from their enclave .
Zulum also said the Hunters will alongside other security agencies help provide security for farmers who have been targets of attacks by the terrorists.
Boko Haram fighters had last year invaded the farming community of Kwashebe, Jere Local Government Council and killed at least 40 farmers while other farmers were reportedly killed by the insurgents in different parts of the state.
Zulum at the Flag-Off the 1000 Volunteer hunters Scheme in Kaddamari farming community,Jere Local Government Council, assured the hunters of government support in discharging their responsibility.
He also streesed the need for periodic review of the security architecture of the state , noting that “the hunters are in strategic position of offer usefull assistance to the Military in the fight against Boko Haram terrorists and “guide them though difficult and inaccessible terrains”.
“Our local hunters have also become part and parcel of our success story because of their active involvement in addressing the security challenges facing the state , which largely prompted us to engage the recruitment of more hunters as an auxiliary security outfit to assist our gallant Military to end the insurgency.
” We are doubtlessly aware that our local hunters are conversant with most of the terrain in the state, especially the hot spots and areas vulnerable to attacks.”
Zulum also revealed that the “decision to recruit locall hunters is primarily informed by the need to involve them in our strategic efforts in pursuing Boko Haram terrorists to their hideouts and subdue them
” Hunters are widely known for their bravery, boldness, and fearlessness qualities and these, they are expected to bring to bare in discharging their duties”
Zulum also added that his administration will “do everything to ensure that you are able equipped and organised logistic support and in addition to the regular payment of your allowances.
“The hunters should know that they have been entrusted with heavy burden which entails lots of responsibility and meticulous discretion to carry out .
“The screened 1000 numbers of Volunteer Hunters that are willing to protect the faming communities in four local government areas of Borno State, – Maiduguri Metropolitan , Jere , Mafa and Konduga Councils
“It could be recalled that small numbers of insurgents or criminals are marauding around these local government areas and are preventing our farmers and small businessesmen from carrying out their legitimate activities .
” I’m tasking thses group of hunters to take the fight to Boko Haram hideouts so that farmers and businessmen in these communities will have access to thier farms and go about their legitimate activities .” Governor Zulum said.
