Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has mourned the killings in Darajamal and Monguno, Borno State, after recent Boko Haram attacks left scores dead.
Atiku, in a statement on Facebook, described the assault as “senseless violence” and a bitter reminder of the heavy toll of terrorism.
“My heartfelt condolences go to the bereaved families, the resilient people of Borno, and Governor Zulum, whose swift compassion in visiting the affected community is commendable,” he said.
He prayed for Allah to grant the victims Al-Jannah Firdaus, urging Nigerians to unite against insecurity. “The sacrifices of our soldiers and civilians must inspire stronger community security, deeper collaboration, and unwavering commitment to peace,” he added.
The assault in Darajamal left five soldiers and 58 civilians dead, with many women and girls abducted. Troops of Operation Hadin Kai, supported by air power, killed over 30 insurgents as they fled.
In Monguno, two Immigration officers lost their lives in another raid last Thursday. Both towns are strategic locations in Borno: Darajamal lies along the Bama-Banki road, over 100 km from Maiduguri, while Monguno is about 136 km north of the state capital.
Ndume Calls for Armed Community Defence
Also, Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume (APC, Borno South) decried the renewed bloodshed. He lamented that in recent months, communities across Borno South, North, and Central have been under siege. “The situation is worrisome,” he declared.
The Senator sympathized with the victims and urged the Federal Government to prioritize the safety of Nigerians. He praised security forces but insisted their efforts need reinforcement.
“Men of the Civilian Joint Task Force, hunters, and vigilantes have been doing their best, but they have limitations, as they only carry den guns and sticks, which makes it very difficult to confront the terrorists,” he said.
Ndume renewed his demand for stronger military hardware, including drones and attack helicopters. He urged the government to embrace what he called TEAAM — Technology, Equipment, Arms, Ammunition, and Motivation — as the only way to finally crush Boko Haram.
He also encouraged residents to work with the military, especially in sharing intelligence about insurgent movements.
Should the government adopt Ndume’s TEAAM approach? Or is community-based defence the missing link? Readers are invited to share their solutions on this lingering national crisis, here in the comments.
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