Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum issued a strong condemnation of recent Boko Haram attacks on May 12, 2025, expressing deep sympathy for victims and reaffirming his administration’s commitment to combating insurgency in Nigeria’s northeast. The statement follows a series of violent incidents, including a deadly bomb attack, that have heightened security concerns in the region.
Zulum’s remarks addressed a May 10 attack in Mafa Local Government Area, where suspected Boko Haram militants detonated an improvised explosive device (IED) at a market, killing two civilians and injuring 15. The governor described the attack as “barbaric” and a desperate attempt by the group to disrupt peace efforts. He visited victims at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, announcing a ₦50 million relief package for medical care, food, and shelter for displaced families. Zulum also praised security forces for repelling a simultaneous assault on a nearby military outpost, which prevented further casualties.
Borno, the epicenter of Boko Haram’s 15-year insurgency, has seen over 40,000 deaths and 2 million displacements. Despite military gains, with 1,500 militants neutralized in 2024, the group remains active, exploiting ungoverned rural areas. Zulum highlighted ongoing initiatives, including a 2024 deradicalization program that reintegrated 3,000 former fighters, and the reconstruction of 10,000 homes in Mafa and Konduga. He urged community vigilance and intelligence sharing, noting that 70% of recent arrests stemmed from local tips.
The governor’s response aligns with federal efforts, including a ₦3 trillion defense budget for 2025, prioritizing counterinsurgency. However, challenges persist, with 4.8 million Borno residents facing food insecurity, per UN estimates, exacerbated by attacks on farmers. Zulum called for federal support to equip vigilante groups and expand irrigation projects to boost food production. His administration’s focus on education, with 50 schools rebuilt in 2024, aims to counter extremist recruitment among youth. As Borno grapples with recurring violence, Zulum’s leadership remains central to balancing security and humanitarian priorities.