The senator’s comments reinforce recent concerns raised by Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum, who also sounded the alarm over renewed Boko Haram attacks and widespread insecurity.
Senator Ali Ndume has revealed that Boko Haram terrorists have taken control of at least three communities in Borno State, effectively replacing the government authorities with their own.
Ndume, who represents Borno South Senatorial District, made known during an appearance on Channels Television on Friday, raising concerns about the worsening security situation in Nigeria’s North-East.
“Yes, three,” Ndume said when asked whether certain areas in Borno were currently under the control of Boko Haram insurgents.
He named the communities as Gudumbali in Guzamala Local Government Area, Marte, and Abadam, adding that there are “no civil authorities” in those regions.
“What we are saying is that there is no civil authority there, and the authority is Boko Haram,” he emphasised, describing a dire situation in which the government has lost ground to the terrorists.
The senator’s comments reinforce recent concerns raised by Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum, who also sounded the alarm over renewed Boko Haram attacks and widespread insecurity.
“As I address this important gathering today, it is unfortunate that the renewed Boko Haram attacks and kidnappings in many communities almost on a daily basis without confrontation signalled that Borno State is losing ground,” Governor Zulum had said earlier in the week during a security meeting in Maiduguri.
Senator Ndume backed the governor’s statement, dismissing any attempts to downplay the severity of the crisis.
“From November last year till date, there were over 250 attacks in the state, and somebody is saying we should ignore the governor,” Ndume stated during the live interview.
“We have lost more than 100 soldiers, nearly 300 civilians even though our soldiers gallantly killed 800 of those terrorists within this period,” he added, painting a grim picture of the conflict’s toll.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) lawmaker also criticised the preparedness of security forces to handle the crisis, blaming inadequate equipment and poor strategy for the continued violence.
“It is like a stagnated situation,” Ndume remarked. “The security agencies are trying their best, but they are not well-equipped to match the evolving threats we are facing.”
Calling for urgent and decisive action, the senator urged President Bola Tinubu to declare a state of emergency not only on security but also on the welfare of citizens and the nation’s ailing economy.
“Things are getting worse,” Ndume warned.
“The president should declare a state of emergency. Enough of business as usual — our people are dying, and our territories are falling.”
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