Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume (APC Borno South) has categorically rejected viral social media reports suggesting that his convoy was attacked by suspected Boko Haram militants yesterday.
In a statement made at his residence in Maiduguri on Wednesday, Ndume clarified the situation following his return from a condolence visit to the families of individuals recently murdered by terrorists in the Ngoshe, Kirawa, Ashigashiya, and other communities within the Gwoza local government area.
Ndume explained, “On Tuesday, October 8, 2024, I, along with other stakeholders and a military escort, was en route to Ngoshe to offer condolences to the bereaved families before heading to Kirawa. During our journey, we received urgent reports of an ambush involving some Cameroonian soldiers and motorists along the Pulka-Kirawa road.”
“After visiting the families in Ngoshe, we bravely continued to Kirawa, notwithstanding the earlier attack. We successfully reached Kirawa, where we also offered condolences to families of the victims of last week’s terrorism, urging the community to remain resilient and not succumb to fear from the increased Boko Haram activities.”
He elaborated that the ambush on the Kirawa road specifically targeted a Cameroonian businessman, Alhaji Kadi, who was killed alongside an unidentified woman, while several others sustained injuries.
Addressing his constituents, the former Chairman of the Senate Committee on Army emphasized that the Nigerian military remains under-equipped and lacks the necessary resources to effectively combat Boko Haram and banditry. He acknowledged the commitment of the military and other security agencies to eradicate terrorism but pointed out that some residents, particularly in Gwoza communities, are impeding these efforts by sharing operational information with terrorists.
“As the Senator representing Southern Borno, including Gwoza, I had intended to visit Ngoshe and Kirawa for condolences. However, due to road accessibility issues, I could only reach Ngoshe. When we departed yesterday, the Theatre Commander and the GOC of the 7th Division directed the Brigade Commander in Gwoza to personally lead our escort team.”
“It has been quite some time since I had such a substantial military escort from Maiduguri to Ngoshe. As we approached a village called Wizza, adjacent to the Kirawa junction, we received intelligence about an ambush on Cameroonian soldiers in Kirawa. However, the intended target was not me but the individuals killed, including an unidentified woman. I was informed about other victims due to the market activities in Kirawa that day.”
Ndume expressed his concerns regarding potential informants within the public, suggesting that some individuals may be aiding Boko Haram by relaying information to them. Despite the challenges, he noted that the Nigerian Army dispatched reinforcements that cleared the ambush area, although explosives had damaged two military patrol vehicles. He emphasized the importance of visiting Kirawa to boost morale among the residents against Boko Haram.
While in Kirawa, Ndume also took the opportunity to lay the foundation for two classroom blocks and expressed gratitude for his safe return to Maiduguri.
On the ongoing Boko Haram attacks, particularly against farmers during the harvest season, Ndume reported that local village leaders indicated that nearly half of the crops from resilient farmers in Ngoshe, Kirawa, Ashigashiya, and surrounding areas had been looted by terrorists, leaving them in dire need of food.
“Despite the commendable efforts of our military and the Borno State Government under Governor Babagana Zulum to address the Boko Haram crisis, both face significant limitations. I have consistently advocated for the federal government to enhance the capabilities of our military forces through better equipment and motivation.”
“I spoke with the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, who assured me that additional forces will be deployed to Gwoza to support farmers in harvesting their crops. The military is determined to eradicate the Boko Haram threat, but success hinges on adequate equipment, training, and motivation.”
For context, Nigeria possesses approximately 15 attack helicopters, while Egypt, with a smaller population, operates over 300. Presently, Maiduguri lacks any operational attack helicopters, as those previously stationed there have been reassigned to address security challenges in other regions.
Ndume highlighted that the Cameroonian unit in Kirawa boasts four Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles, while the Nigerian military battalion in Ngoshe has none. He stressed that while the Nigerian military is committed, they cannot effectively combat terrorism without proper resources.
Furthermore, he raised alarms about the presence of Boko Haram sympathizers among local populations. He referenced a recent video released by a Boko Haram commander threatening local residents to either join their ranks or face death.
“To achieve lasting peace, we must all collaborate to support our security agencies and government efforts. Just today, I learned that the only resettled community in Guzamala local government area, Mairari village, suffered a Boko Haram attack, resulting in two civilian injuries. Just yesterday, there was a road ambush along the Dikwa-Marate road, and in Gwoza, recent attacks have claimed numerous lives.”
Ndume concluded by expressing his deep concern about the continuing violence, underscoring the urgency of addressing these critical issues.
