Zulum has ordered the suspension of all village and ward heads in Mallam-Fatori over their absence during his visit, while unveiling fresh reconstruction plans for the Borno border town.
Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, has ordered the immediate suspension of all village and ward heads in Mallam-Fatori, headquarters of Abadam Local Government Area, over their absence during his visit to the insurgency-ravaged border community.
The directive came as Zulum also pledged to accelerate the reconstruction of critical infrastructure to support residents returning to the town after years of displacement caused by insurgency.
The governor gave the order during a working visit to Mallam-Fatori, where he inspected damaged public facilities and engaged residents on their immediate needs and the challenges of rebuilding the community.
Zulum expressed concern over the absence of the traditional leaders, describing it as unacceptable at a critical period when displaced residents were returning to their ancestral homes and efforts were underway to restore normal life.
He directed the Borno State Commissioner for Local Government and Emirate Affairs, Sugun Mai Mele, to work closely with the Shehu of Borno to begin the process of appointing new village and ward heads without delay.
The governor said the new appointees must be persons of proven integrity, competence, commitment and ingenuity who understand the realities facing returning residents.
According to him, the new traditional leaders must also be capable of working closely with communities, government authorities and security agencies to restore stability and promote development.
Zulum stressed that traditional institutions had an important role to play in communities recovering from conflict, particularly in strengthening communication between government and residents and supporting the resettlement of displaced populations.
The suspension formed part of a broader intervention by the Zulum administration to rebuild Mallam-Fatori, one of the communities severely affected by years of insurgency and displacement.
During his inspection, the governor toured destroyed schools, government buildings and housing facilities, assessing the level of damage to public infrastructure across the border town.
Following the inspection, Zulum directed the immediate construction of an Islamiyya school, primary and secondary schools, as well as a hospital.
He said the restoration of essential services was crucial to helping returnees rebuild their lives, restore their livelihoods and provide better opportunities for their children.
The governor also met directly with residents, providing an opportunity for members of the community to present their concerns and outline the immediate support needed to restore normal civilian life.
Zulum’s reconstruction plans are aimed at strengthening access to education, healthcare and other essential services as Borno continues efforts to facilitate the safe and sustainable return of residents to communities affected by insurgency.
The governor also visited the headquarters of the 68 Battalion of the Nigerian Army in Mallam-Fatori, where he met with the Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Colonel D. Y. Chuwar, as well as senior officers and troops deployed to the area.
He commended the troops for their courage, resilience and commitment to maintaining security in the border community and helping to create conditions for the return of civilians.
Zulum assured the military of the continued support of the Borno State Government, particularly in providing essential assistance aimed at improving their operational effectiveness.
The governor’s latest intervention highlights the dual focus of the Borno government’s recovery efforts: rebuilding communities devastated by insurgency while strengthening local leadership and security structures needed to support returning residents.
As reconstruction gathers pace in Mallam-Fatori, the appointment of new village and ward heads is expected to play a key role in coordinating community engagement and supporting efforts to restore stability and development in the border town.
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