Borno : Improved Security Boosts Return, Economic Activities in Kukawa – Chairman
By Ahmed Ahmed
The Executive Chairman of Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno, Mr Mustafa Mohamed Kukawa, says improved security is facilitating the return of displaced residents and gradual revival of farming, fishing and other economic activities in the area.
Kukawa, one of the largest local government areas in the state by landmass, has faced prolonged disruption from Boko Haram insurgency, which forced thousands of residents from their ancestral communities.
Mohamed said this in an interview with Journalists, on Tuesday in Maiduguri saying that residents had returned to several communities, including Kukawa, Baga, Doro, Kekeno and Cross as well as some villages.
He attributed the development to sustained security operations and the commitment of the Borno Government, particularly Gov. Babagana Umara Zulum, to the resettlement of displaced communities.
According to him, the security situation has considerably improved, although some challenges remain, particularly along some routes and in remote communities.
He said the council had been supporting security agencies by assisting with road clearance and repairs in areas affected by improvised explosive devices (IEDs), in collaboration with the military and other security personnel.
“Before, we used to experience ambushes on the roads, but now it has drastically reduced,” he said.
The chairman said the council had also worked with security agencies to clear roads and waterways to facilitate safe movement of people and goods.
He said farming, which was severely affected by the insurgency, was gradually returning as displaced farmers came back from neighbouring states where they had sought refuge.
Mohamed said fishing activities were also being revived, particularly around Baga, once a major fish market serving communities within and outside Borno.
He said efforts were being made to clear waterways to enable fishermen to return fully to their businesses.
The chairman also disclosed that the council, in collaboration with the state government, had taken steps to address the problem of out-of-school children.
He said schools destroyed during the insurgency had been rebuilt, while returning pupils were provided with books, uniforms and one meal daily to encourage school attendance.
Mohamed, who previously served as a Special Adviser on Security, said his experience had helped him build relationships with security personnel, community members and some surrendered insurgents.
He said his regular interaction with the people had helped to build trust and acceptance.
The chairman commended Zulum for his commitment to restoring peace and enabling displaced residents to return to their ancestral homes.
He, however, appealed for sustained security operations and continued support for infrastructure, agriculture, fishing and other livelihood activities to consolidate the gains recorded in the area.
