The Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, has met President Muhammadu Buhari in Abuja, over the worsening security situation in Nigeria especially in the North-East region.
Briefing newsmen after the closed door meeting with the President, Governor Zulum said; ”It is my responsibility to tell the President the truth.”
He condemned the renewed and growing spate of attacks by terrorists in the country.
According to him, “there is a need for greater support from the Presidency to surmount the insurgency crisis that has left thousands killed and millions displaced in the troubled zone”.
Governor Zulum has also paid his tribute to the soldiers who died over the weekend during a battle with Boko Haram insurgents in Mainok town, along Maiduguri-Damaturu high way.
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In a statement released by his Spokesman, Isa Gusau, the Governor conveyed his sympathy to the families of the deceased soldiers.
The statement reads: “Regardless of what happened in Mainok and how it happened as we collectively review the incident, we must first, and importantly, recognise that those soldiers who lost their lives at the weekend were fellow Nigerians; they were parents of children who are now orphans, husbands to wives who are now widows, and loved ones to families and friends now bereaved.
“They were soldiers of our Armed Forces who out of love for our country, chose to risk their lives in trying to keep us as safe and to protect the sovereignty of our country. We mourn these heroic soldiers and anyone caught at the unfortunate setback in Mainok.
“We salute these fallen soldiers for their immeasurable sacrifices and we pray for the repose of their souls. We mourn with the families of these soldiers; we share their grief, commiserate with them and commiserate with the Nigerian military.”
“Governor Zulum is assuring the people of Borno that the setback in Mainok will not deter the State government from its continued collaborative efforts towards ending the insurgency. The Governor calls on the military, other Armed Forces and volunteers at battle fronts to remain resolute while urging all stakeholders at the highest levels, to continually approach equipping and supporting front line troops with the fear of God, bearing in mind that everyone will one day account for his or her doing or misdoing,” the statement adds.