Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State has extended warm felicitations to Muslims on the celebration of Eid-el-Fitr, marking the end of the Ramadan fast.
The message was conveyed through his spokesperson, Dauda Iliya, in a statement issued in Maiduguri on Friday.
According to the statement, the governor said, “Ramadan offered the opportunity for the Muslim faithful to renew their faith, boost spiritual depth, charitable giving, and other acts or worship.”
Zulum called on residents to uphold and sustain the values learned during the holy month, noting that such virtues are essential in rebuilding a peaceful, secure, and thriving Borno State.
He described the just-concluded Ramadan as exceptional, highlighting what he termed “unprecedented charity reach outs to the indigent population by his administration.”
The governor revealed that more than 300,000 vulnerable residents across the state’s 27 local government areas benefited from the distribution of food and other essential items.
“Although the state has recorded a series of attacks, which has claimed the lives of some military men and civilians,” he added.
Zulum commended the bravery and resilience of the people, acknowledging their continued support for initiatives aimed at strengthening security and fostering unity in communities affected by years of Boko Haram insurgency.
He also expressed deep sorrow over the renewed wave of terrorist attacks, particularly the March 9 triple suicide bombings in Maiduguri that left 28 people dead and over 100 others injured.
The governor appreciated President Bola Tinubu for his swift response, including the dispatch of Vice-President Kashim Shettima to commiserate with the state and the deployment of Service Chiefs to reassess and reinforce strategies to defeat insurgency.
He further praised the military’s ongoing offensives in the Sambisa Forest, as well as coordinated operations in the Mandara Mountains, Lake Chad region, and other insurgent enclaves.
Reaffirming his commitment, Zulum pledged increased support for security agencies and volunteer groups engaged in counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism efforts.
Reflecting on the past 15 years, he noted the immense hardship endured by the people due to insurgency and urged them to remain steadfast in their resilience.
The governor encouraged communities to continue their long-standing local security initiatives while authorities intensify efforts to block vulnerabilities exploited by attackers.
He expressed confidence that security agencies are now deploying more effective strategies to bring lasting peace and end insurgency in the state.
Zulum also advised residents to remain vigilant, avoid unprotected crowded areas, and report suspicious activities to security agencies.
He assured that adequate security measures have been put in place at Eid prayer grounds to enable worshippers observe the festivities peacefully and without fear.
