By: Gbenga Akingbule
Borno State Governor, Prof Babagana Zulum on Monday applauded the effors of the Depertment for State Services (DSS), the Nigerian Military for their untiring efforts at securing the release of 357 residents of Ngoshe community, who were abducted during attack by suspected Boko Haram terrorists .
Gatekeepers News reports that Zulum specifically commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his unwavering support to Borno State and the North-East region, especially in the areas of security, efforts that culminated in the freedom of Ngoshe abductees .
Prof Zulum gave the commendation in Pulka town where he confirmed that the latest release comprises 357 persons, while 82 others had regained their freedom in smaller batches since their abduction and bringing the total number to 434.
The victims were originally siezed from Ngoshe, a border town in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State, following an attack by suspected Boko Haram insurgents early this year.
“I want to express my deepest appreciation, on behalf of the government and people of Borno State and Gwoza community in particular, to the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Nigerian Armed Forces, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for all the efforts that he has been making in ensuring the return of peace and stability not only to Borno State but to the entire country,” Zulum stated.
“I also want to use this opportunity to commend the Nigerian Armed Forces, the office of the National Security Adviser, the Department of State Security and all other security agencies, including our gallant Civilian JTF, Forest Guards, Vigilante and Hunters, who have participated immensely in ensuring the release of these abducted men, women and children,” Zulum added.
He explained that while 357 captives regained freedom in the latest coordinated effort, other captives had been released in phases over the preceding months, bringing the total number of freed captives to 434.
“We are here to felicitate with Ngoshe community following the release of the abducted women and children numbering about 434. What we saw this morning is about 360 released two days ago. But some two to three weeks ago, we also received other persons, totalling about 434,” Zulum explained.
According to the governor, “Government has released millions of naira to rehabilitate the Ngoshe community. So far, the work is nearly complete. We are also interfacing with the community about their return to Ngoshe; those that are willing to return, we are working with the Nigerian military to establish institutional arrangements that will ensure their safe and dignified return.”
Zulum also directed the distribution of relief materials, comprising food and non-food items, to all the released persons as part of the immediate intervention.
