Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, has ordered the immediate reconstruction of critical infrastructure in Mallam-Fatori, Abadam Local Government Area, as part of renewed efforts to accelerate the return and resettlement of residents displaced by years of Boko Haram insurgency.
Zulum also ordered the immediate suspension of all village and ward heads in the border community over their absence during his working visit, despite the ongoing return of residents and intensified government reconstruction efforts.
The governor’s directives underscored the Borno State Government’s determination to restore basic services, rebuild war-ravaged communities and strengthen local governance in areas recovering from years of insurgency.
During the visit, Zulum inspected destroyed schools, government facilities and residential buildings across Mallam-Fatori, one of the communities hardest hit by the Boko Haram insurgency.
The widespread destruction, abandoned structures and deteriorating public facilities highlighted the extensive damage inflicted on the community by years of conflict.
Following the inspection, the governor directed the immediate construction of an Islamiyya school, as well as primary and secondary schools and a hospital, to restore access to education and healthcare for returning residents.
“Provision of basic amenities is critical to enabling returnees to rebuild their lives, restore livelihoods, and give their children a stronger foundation for the future,” Zulum said.
He also held direct engagements with residents, who presented their immediate concerns and outlined the challenges confronting them as they attempt to rebuild their lives.
Zulum said the reconstruction of essential infrastructure was critical to ensuring that the return of displaced persons remained safe and sustainable, rather than merely facilitating their physical relocation to ancestral communities.
However, the visit took a dramatic turn when the governor discovered that village and ward heads were absent from the community.
Expressing concern over the development, Zulum ordered their immediate suspension and directed the commencement of the process for appointing new traditional representatives for the returning population.
He said traditional leaders had a crucial role to play in stabilising communities emerging from conflict and could not remain absent at a critical period of reconstruction and resettlement.
“Traditional leaders have a critical role to play in stabilising communities emerging from conflict. Their presence is essential not only for maintaining communication between government and residents but also for strengthening community resilience and providing leadership as returnees settle into their ancestral homes,” he said.
The governor directed the Commissioner for Local Government and Emirate Affairs, Hon. Sugun Mai Mele, to work with the Shehu of Borno to immediately commence the process of appointing new village and ward heads.
He said prospective appointees must demonstrate integrity, competence, commitment and ingenuity, and must be capable of working effectively with residents, government authorities and security agencies to restore peace and stability.
At the headquarters of the 68 Battalion of the Nigerian Army in Mallam-Fatori, Zulum met with the Commanding Officer, Lt. Col. D.Y. Chuwar, as well as senior military officers and troops deployed to the area.
The governor commended the troops for their courage and commitment to securing the strategic border community and creating the conditions necessary for the safe return of civilians.
He assured the military of the continued support of the Borno State Government, particularly in meeting essential requirements aimed at improving operational effectiveness.
The intervention is part of the broader strategy of the Borno State Government to rebuild communities devastated by insurgency and support the safe, dignified and sustainable return of displaced residents.
Zulum was accompanied on the visit by the Senate Chief Whip, Senator Mohammed Tahir Monguno; the member representing Abadam Constituency in the Borno State House of Assembly, Hon. Jamna Bong; the Commissioner for Information and Internal Security, Prof. Usman Tar; the Commissioner for Local Government and Emirate Affairs, Hon. Sugun Mai Mele; the Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology and Innovation, Lawan Abba Wakilbe, and other senior government officials.
