In a stark expression of outrage and concern, Senator Ali Ndume, representing Borno South Senatorial District under the All Progressives Congress (APC), has vehemently criticized the recent surge in terrorist activities by Boko Haram insurgents in his constituency. The senator, known for his outspoken stance on security issues in the Northeast, described the escalating violence as deeply troubling, highlighting a series of brutal incidents that have claimed lives, destroyed property, and instilled fear among local communities. These attacks, occurring in remote areas of Askira-Uba and Chibok Local Government Areas, underscore the persistent challenges faced by security forces in containing the decade-long insurgency that has plagued Borno State.
The most recent atrocity involved the cold-blooded murder of four farmers who were peacefully harvesting their crops in Kwam village, located near the Dille community in Askira-Uba Local Government Area. According to Senator Ndume, the farmers were ambushed and killed on their farmlands, a grim reminder of how Boko Haram continues to target agricultural activities, which are the lifeline for many rural families in the region. This incident is part of a broader pattern of renewed assaults that the senator says have intensified over the past week, exploiting vulnerabilities in areas far from major urban centers.
Adding to the horror, terrorists launched a devastating raid on the Pemi community in Chibok Local Government Area just last week. In this assault, the EYN Church—a prominent place of worship for the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria (EYN)—was set ablaze, along with several shops and vehicles. The destruction of the church is particularly symbolic, given the history of Boko Haram's ideological opposition to Western education and Christian institutions. The 2014 abduction of over 200 schoolgirls from Chibok by the same group still lingers in public memory, and this latest arson attack revives painful echoes of that tragedy. Shops, vital for local commerce, and cars were reduced to ashes, crippling the economic fabric of the community and leaving residents without essential services.
The violence did not stop there. On Wednesday, November 12, Boko Haram insurgents invaded the Shikarkir community, also in Chibok Local Government Area, resulting in the abduction of seven individuals. Among the victims were a woman and her children, the two daughters of a local pastor, and the wife of Mr. Smith Shikarkir along with her infant baby. These abductions highlight the terrorists' tactic of targeting families and religious figures to sow terror and disrupt social structures. The pastor's daughters and the church leader's family members represent a direct assault on community leadership and faith-based networks, which have been pillars of resilience in the face of ongoing threats.
Senator Ndume, in a statement laden with frustration, articulated his perturbation over these developments. "I am very much perturbed over the renewed attacks by Boko Haram terrorists in some parts of my constituency in the last week," he declared. He detailed the killings in Kwam village, the arson in Pemi, and the invasion of Shikarkir, emphasizing that these events occurred without any significant confrontation from security agencies. "The situation is worrisome," Ndume stressed, attributing the uptick in attacks to the inability of security forces to effectively patrol and protect remote communities. These areas, often isolated by poor infrastructure and vast terrains, have become soft targets for the insurgents, who operate with impunity in the absence of a robust military presence.
The senator's concerns extend beyond immediate incidents to the broader implications for peace and stability in Borno State. Boko Haram, despite years of military campaigns and declarations of technical defeat, continues to regroup and launch sporadic but deadly operations. The group's ability to strike multiple locations in quick succession points to intelligence gaps, logistical challenges for troops, and possibly the exploitation of local grievances. Farmers, in particular, bear the brunt, as attacks during harvest seasons not only claim lives but also threaten food security in a region already grappling with displacement and poverty.
Amid the criticism, Senator Ndume acknowledged positive steps taken by state authorities. He commended Governor Babagana Zulum for his prompt intervention, which included directing the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) and other stakeholders to deliver relief materials to the affected communities. Governor Zulum, a hands-on leader who has frequently visited frontline areas, has earned praise for his humanitarian efforts, providing food, medical supplies, and temporary shelter to victims. This response, while commendable, is seen by Ndume as a short-term measure that must be complemented by enhanced security protocols.
Turning his appeal to the federal level, the senator urged immediate action from top military brass. He specifically called on the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, and the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, to deploy additional troops without delay. "Urgently deploy additional troops to safeguard lives and properties in the communities currently under attack," Ndume implored. He argued that bolstering military presence in these vulnerable zones is essential to deter further incursions and restore confidence among residents, many of whom have been displaced multiple times.
In a message of solidarity, Senator Ndume extended his condolences to the bereaved families and the broader affected populations. "In addition, I commiserate with the people of the affected communities, especially the victims, while appealing for immediate military intervention to protect those under perpetual Boko Haram attacks in the state," he added. His words reflect a deep empathy for constituents who have endured relentless cycles of violence, loss, and reconstruction.
The renewed Boko Haram activities in Borno raise critical questions about the sustainability of counter-insurgency efforts. While Operation Hadin Kai and other initiatives have degraded the group's capabilities, pockets of resistance persist, fueled by ideological zeal, external support, and internal displacements. Communities like Askira-Uba and Chibok, historically hit hard, require not just reactive measures but proactive strategies, including community policing, intelligence sharing, and development projects to address root causes such as unemployment and marginalization.
Senator Ndume's outspoken condemnation serves as a clarion call for all stakeholders—federal government, military, state authorities, and international partners—to redouble efforts. The killings of innocent farmers, the razing of a church, and the abductions of women, children, and religious figures are not isolated events but symptoms of a lingering threat that demands urgent, coordinated action. As Borno strives for normalcy, the voices of leaders like Ndume amplify the plea for security, justice, and peace, ensuring that the sacrifices of victims are not in vain.
This series of attacks, occurring in mid-November, comes at a time when harvest seasons should bring hope and prosperity to agrarian communities. Instead, they deliver despair, underscoring the need for a comprehensive approach that combines military might with socio-economic empowerment. Governor Zulum's relief efforts provide immediate succor, but the deployment of troops, as advocated by Ndume, could prevent future tragedies. The people of Borno South deserve protection, and the nation must rally to end the scourge of terrorism once and for all.
