At least nine people were killed and four others injured when Boko Haram insurgents launched a fresh attack on Malam Fatori, a border town in Abadam Local Government Area of Borno State.
Naijaonpoint reports that the assault, which occurred about 272 kilometres from Maiduguri, the state capital, left residents reeling as state authorities moved swiftly to offer both condolences and renewed security assurances.
Governor Babagana Umara Zulum, who is currently outside the country on official assignment, dispatched a high-powered delegation led by the Commissioner for Local Government and Emirate Affairs, Sugun Mai Mele, to sympathise with the victims.
“We are here at the instance of His Excellency, Governor Babagana Umara Zulum, to condole with the people of Malam Fatori over the recent unfortunate attack,” Mai Mele said.
He assured the community that both the state government and the Nigerian military would intensify efforts to secure the area.
“Malam Fatori is a strategic location. We are committed to ensuring its stability. We urge the people to be resilient and prayerful to prevent future incidents,” he added.
As part of the immediate response, the Borno State Government announced that heavy-duty excavators would be deployed to dig protective trenches around the town to prevent further insurgent incursions.
Mai Mele also issued a stern warning to residents against any form of collaboration with Boko Haram or ISWAP elements.
“Anyone found aiding terrorists will not only face the law but also divine consequences,” he warned.
To ease the burden on affected families, the state government distributed cash relief. Each bereaved family received ₦500,000, while each of the four injured victims was given ₦250,000.
In a further development, Commissioner for Information and Internal Security, Usman Tar, disclosed plans to resettle an additional 3,000 displaced families in Malam Fatori, bringing the total number of resettled households in the town to 5,000.
Tar said, “Already, 2,000 households have been resettled. The government will resettle another 3,000 soon.”
He assured that the government was “providing the necessary resources and security to consolidate the people’s stay in their homeland.”
Tar also urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to relevant security agencies.