Ali Ndume, the senatorial district representative for Borno South, has harshly denounced the recent Boko Haram attack on Yamtake, a resettlement town in Borno State’s Gwoza Local Government Area, which claimed the lives of two troops and an unknown number of civilians.
Praising Brigadier General Nasir Abdullahi, Commander of the 26 Task Force Brigade, and his troops for their valor in repelling the repeated attacks, especially those targeting Gwoza town, a former Boko Haram stronghold, the former Chairman of the Senate Committee on Army conveyed his profound concern over the ongoing insurgent violence.
Approximately 14 kilometers from Gwoza town, Yamtake is accessible by car or foot in less than 50 minutes. It is situated along the Gwoza-Damboa Road.
Many inhabitants, including those who had just been relocated after years of displacement as Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), were compelled to evacuate after the most recent attack, which took place on Thursday night.
Ndume, a native of Gwoza, expressed concern at the ongoing insurgent attacks throughout Borno State, especially in Borno South, North, and Central Senatorial Districts, where Boko Haram strikes have harmed multiple towns, in a statement provided to journalists on Friday.
Unfortunately, last Thursday night’s devastating Boko Haram raid in Yamtake village claimed the lives of our people once more.
“The Borno State Government just resettled its internally displaced people, and this village welcomed them back. The fact that two servicemen and an undetermined number of civilians paid the ultimate price is heartbreaking. Ndume replied, “May their souls rest in peace.”
Ndume urged for the creation of an Armed Community Defense Force to support military efforts while recognizing the work of hunters, vigilantes, and the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF).
Despite their best efforts, he pointed out that these groups frequently lack the money and equipment needed to successfully repel insurgent attacks.
Despite their best efforts, the CJTF, hunters, and vigilantes require improved equipment and assistance.
“We need to create an Armed Community Defence Force to work hand-in-hand with the military to ensure the security of these communities,” he said.
Further emphasising the need for improved security infrastructure, Ndume reiterated his long-standing call for the federal government and Nigerian military to adopt what he described as the TEAAM strategy, Technology, Equipment, Arms and Ammunition, and Motivation, to effectively combat Boko Haram and other insurgents in the North East and across Nigeria.
“Only through the effective use of Technology, Equipment, Arms and Ammunition, and Motivation can we bring an end to over a decade of Boko Haram atrocities in Borno, the North East, and across Nigeria,” Ndume stated.
In his statement, Ndume also commended the military’s efforts in defending Gwoza, noting that ambushes laid by the military have been instrumental in preventing insurgents from overrunning the area.
Despite the challenges, Ndume praised the resilience of the Nigerian military in pushing back Boko Haram militants.
“I commend Brig. Gen. Nasir Abdullahi and his brave troops for their resilience in pushing back the attackers. After causing havoc in Yamtake, the terrorists attempted to infiltrate Gwoza town but were successfully repelled by our gallant troops,” he said.
Ndume emphasised that the fight against Boko Haram is far from over and called for unity and determination in addressing the threat posed by the insurgents.
He stressed the importance of enhancing the security apparatus in the region to protect the lives and property of citizens and ensure lasting peace.
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