Ali Ndume, the lawmaker representing Borno South senatorial district, has reacted to the attack by Boko Haram on Yamtake, a resettled community in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State, which resulted in the deaths of two soldiers and an unspecified number of civilians.
The former Chairman of the Senate Committee on Army expressed his deep concern over the ongoing insurgent violence, praising Brigadier General Nasir Abdullahi, Commander of the 26 Task Force Brigade, and his troops for their gallantry in repelling the repeated attacks, particularly those targeting Gwoza town, a former Boko Haram stronghold.
Yamtake, located along the Gwoza-Damboa Road, is about 14 kilometers from Gwoza town, a short drive or under a 50-minute walk.
The latest attack occurred on Thursday night and forced many residents, including those recently resettled after years of displacement as Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), to flee.
In a statement made available to journalists on Friday, Ndume, who hails from Gwoza, expressed shock over the relentless insurgent attacks across Borno State, particularly in Borno South, North, and Central Senatorial Districts, where several communities have suffered from Boko Haram assaults.
“Unfortunately, our people in Yamtake village were once again victims of a deadly Boko Haram invasion last Thursday night.
“This community had just welcomed back its IDPs, who had been resettled by the Borno State Government. It is very sad that two soldiers paid the supreme price, alongside an unknown number of civilians. May their souls rest in peace,” Ndume said.
Ndume, while acknowledging the efforts of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), hunters, and vigilantes, called for the establishment of an Armed Community Defence Force to complement the efforts of the military.
He noted that these groups, while doing their best, are often ill-equipped and lack the necessary resources to effectively counter insurgent attacks.
“While the CJTF, hunters, and vigilantes are doing their best, they need better weapons and support.
“We need to create an Armed Community Defence Force to work hand-in-hand with the military to ensure the security of these communities,” he said.
Further emphasising the need for improved security infrastructure, Ndume reiterated his long-standing call for the federal government and Nigerian military to adopt what he described as the TEAAM strategy, Technology, Equipment, Arms and Ammunition, and Motivation, to effectively combat Boko Haram and other insurgents in the North East and across Nigeria.
“Only through the effective use of Technology, Equipment, Arms and Ammunition, and Motivation can we bring an end to over a decade of Boko Haram atrocities in Borno, the North East, and across Nigeria,” Ndume stated.
In his statement, Ndume also commended the military’s efforts in defending Gwoza, noting that ambushes laid by the military have been instrumental in preventing insurgents from overrunning the area.
Despite the challenges, Ndume praised the resilience of the Nigerian military in pushing back Boko Haram militants.
“I commend Brig. Gen. Nasir Abdullahi and his brave troops for their resilience in pushing back the attackers. After causing havoc in Yamtake, the terrorists attempted to infiltrate Gwoza town but were successfully repelled by our gallant troops,” he said.
Ndume emphasised that the fight against Boko Haram is far from over and called for unity and determination in addressing the threat posed by the insurgents.
He stressed the importance of enhancing the security apparatus in the region to protect the lives and property of citizens and ensure lasting peace.
