Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume, representing Borno South, has asked the North East Development Commission (NEDC) to build more houses in communities affected by insurgency and displacement.

Ndume made the request during a courtesy visit to the NEDC Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Mohammed Goni Alkali.

He also called for the creation of an NEDC annex office in Biu. According to him, the office would make it easier for people in Southern Borno to access the commission’s programmes.

The senator said a local office would bring NEDC services closer to residents. It could also reduce the need for people to travel long distances to access the commission.

Housing needed for displaced families

Ndume placed particular emphasis on housing. He identified Damboa, Chibok, Gwoza, Askira-Uba and Biu as areas that need more housing projects.

He said additional homes would support displaced families. They would also help communities affected by insurgency with their resettlement and recovery efforts.

Housing is an important part of rebuilding communities affected by conflict. Families returning to these areas need safe homes as well as roads, schools, healthcare and other basic services.

More housing construction could also support local economic activity. Building projects create demand for construction workers, materials and other services.

Senator seeks support for education and roads

Ndume also asked the NEDC to provide more infrastructure support to key educational institutions in Borno South.

He mentioned the Federal College of Education, Gwoza, and the Nigerian Army University, Biu.

The senator also urged the commission to help complete the Izge–Bita Road. He said he facilitated the project last year, but funding problems have slowed its progress.

Improved road links are important to housing and community development. Roads can improve access to homes, schools, health facilities, markets and other public services.

Ndume commends NEDC’s UMTH investment

The senator also praised the NEDC for its investment in the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH).

He highlighted the commission’s support for the hospital’s fertility centre. The facility provides specialised reproductive and fertility-related medical services.

Ndume’s comments reflect the wider need to connect housing development with healthcare, education and transport infrastructure.

NEDC responds to Biu office request

Alkali thanked Ndume for the visit and his continued interest in the development of the North-East.

He said the NEDC remains focused on improving living conditions across the region through development projects.

On the proposed Biu office, Alkali explained that the NEDC Act provides for offices across the six states of the North-East.

He said the commission already has offices in some states. Other offices, he added, are at different stages of construction.

Alkali explained that NEDC offices are mainly established at the state level. However, he said the commission would continue to look for ways to bring its services closer to communities.

NEDC promises continued housing investment

Alkali also responded to the request for more housing in Borno South.

He assured Ndume that the commission would continue to invest in quality housing. He said particular attention would be given to communities recovering from insurgency and displacement.

The response keeps housing at the centre of the wider reconstruction effort in the North-East. For displaced families, the availability of homes can play an important role in supporting their return and resettlement.

The requests from Ndume also show the need for housing projects to be supported by roads, education, healthcare and other infrastructure.

For communities rebuilding after years of insecurity, these services are important to creating conditions where families can return, settle and rebuild their lives.

The proposed expansion of housing and infrastructure in Borno South therefore goes beyond the construction of individual homes. It highlights the role of coordinated public investment in supporting resettlement and the recovery of communities affected by displacement.

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No fewer than 37 students are still missing following Monday’s terrorist attack on Government Day Secondary School, Lassa, in Askira/Uba Local Government Area of Borno State, parents of the affected children have said.

The attack occurred while students were writing the National Examinations Council (NECO) examination, leaving two teachers dead and several students abducted.

Earlier, the Acting Military Information Officer of the North-East Joint Task Force, Operation Hadin Kai, Capt. Muhammed Goni, disclosed that troops, supported by air assets, rescued 10 victims unhurt during a rescue operation.

He also confirmed that a soldier and a member of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) were killed while engaging the attackers in the Daggu area of the local government.

However, parents of the students said many children remain unaccounted for despite the rescue efforts.

One of the parents, Mr. Mbula Bura, whose 19-year-old daughter, Esther, was abducted during the attack, said the Borno State Government had opened a register for families to report missing persons.

According to him, 37 students have so far been officially registered as missing.

“Parents who could not find their children were invited to come and register. I discovered that 37 names have been registered so far as missing. My 19-year-old daughter, Esther Mbula, is still missing. She is in SS2,” he said.

Another parent, Emmanuel Dari, said his 16-year-old daughter, Lucy Emmanuel, who is also in SS2, was among those abducted from the classroom.

“My daughter was in the classroom when the terrorists took them away. Since yesterday, we have not been able to sleep.

“When I heard about the attack, we were confused. Later, I became happy when I heard about the rescue. However, when I got there, neither my daughter nor many other parents’ children could be found,” he said.

Dari disclosed that a delegation from the Borno State Government, led by the Commissioner for Education, Lawan Wakilbe, visited the community to assess the situation and meet with affected families.

“The state Commissioner for Education is currently here. They came to see us and assess the situation,” he added.

A resident of Lassa, Bitrus Milnda, also confirmed that two of his relatives were among those abducted during the attack.

“Two victims, both related to me on my mother’s side, were abducted. Their names are Martha Wajau and Abori Ujulu. They are both in SS1,” he said.

The attack has thrown the community into panic, with families anxiously awaiting news about their missing children.

Efforts to obtain an official update from the Borno State Government were unsuccessful, as the Commissioner for Information and Internal Security, Usman Tar, could not be reached for comments as of the time of filing this report.

The incident has renewed concerns over the safety of schools in the North-East and the continued threat posed by terrorist groups operating in the region.

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The Court of Appeal in Abuja has ruled that governors and deputy governors elected under the defunct 1979 Constitution are not entitled to pension benefits under the 1999 Constitution unless such provisions are expressly made by their respective state governments.

The appellate court made the clarification while dismissing an appeal filed by a former governor of the old Borno State, the late Alhaji Umar Mohammed Goni, who served between 1979 and 1983.

Goni had challenged the December 18, 2019 judgment of the National Industrial Court of Nigeria (NICN), which dismissed his claim for pension and other benefits under the Borno State (Grant of Pension to Governors and Deputy Governors) Law, 2005, as amended in 2009.

In his suit, the former governor argued that he was entitled to a monthly pension for life and other benefits provided under the state law, relying on provisions of the 1999 Constitution and the Interpretation Act.

However, in a unanimous judgment delivered on Monday, a three-member panel of the Court of Appeal affirmed the decision of the NICN and held that the pension law did not apply to governors elected under the 1979 Constitution.

Justice Mohammed Danjuma, who delivered the lead judgment, stated that the 1979 Constitution ceased to have effect following the military takeover in 1983 and could not be linked to the constitutional framework established by the 1999 Constitution.

According to the court, the 1999 Constitution ushered in a new democratic order and the Borno State pension law contained no provision extending pension benefits to governors who served under the defunct constitutional arrangement.

Justice Danjuma noted that if the lawmakers intended to include former governors of the old Borno State, the legislation would have expressly stated so.

“The appellant was a governor of the defunct Borno State under the 1979 Constitution, not a governor under the 1999 Constitution or immediately before or after the coming into force of the 1999 Constitution,” the court held.

The appellate court agreed with the National Industrial Court that the Borno State pension law did not have retrospective effect and therefore could not benefit Goni.

The court also upheld preliminary objections raised by the Borno State Government against the appeal.

Justice Danjuma held that although the appeal could survive the death of Goni, who died before the case was concluded, his legal representatives failed to properly substitute him in the proceedings.

The court further ruled that the appeal was incompetent because it was filed outside the legally prescribed period without obtaining leave of court for an extension of time.

According to the judgment, while the National Industrial Court delivered its decision on December 18, 2019, the notice of appeal was not filed until November 13, 2024.

The Court of Appeal consequently dismissed the appeal and affirmed the judgment of the lower court.

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Babagana Umara Zulum, Governor of Borno State, has approved the immediate dissolution of the State Executive Council, effectively relieving all commissioners of their duties.

The decision was conveyed in a statement issued by Bukar Tijani, who explained that the move is intended to create room for council members interested in contesting elective positions in the upcoming general elections.

As part of the directive, all commissioners have been instructed to hand over the affairs of their ministries to permanent secretaries on or before April 3, 2026.

Governor Zulum expressed appreciation to the outgoing officials, commending their dedication, service, and contributions to governance and development in the state.

The dissolution is seen as a strategic political step ahead of the election cycle, allowing appointees to pursue political ambitions without holding executive office.

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The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has reaffirmed its commitment to building effective emergency preparedness and response systems across all local government areas in Nigeria. The initiative aims to strengthen disaster coordination, data management, and early warning mechanisms at the grassroots level.

NEMA’s Director General, Zubaida Umar, stated this during a two-day workshop themed “Emergency Preparedness & Response Stakeholders Engagement Workshop” held in Maiduguri. The training, organized in partnership with the World Bank Group and the Borno State Government, is designed to equip key stakeholders with essential disaster management and response skills.

Represented by Bamidele Onimode, Director of Planning and Research Forecasting, Umar highlighted the importance of defining clear roles for local stakeholders to ensure swift and coordinated responses during emergencies. She reiterated the agency’s goal of moving from reactive measures to proactive preparedness through multi-agency collaboration.

Umar noted, “As we begin this engagement, let us reflect on how far we’ve come and how much more we can achieve together. Let’s continue to move from reaction to preparedness, from coordination to resilience.”

In his remarks, Oluwaseun Olowoporoku, representing the World Bank Country Director, reaffirmed the Bank’s support for Borno State through technical assistance, operational support, and knowledge sharing. He added that investing in preparedness yields long-term benefits, saying, “Every dollar invested in preparedness saves several more in response and recovery while protecting lives and livelihoods.”

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In a moving gesture of gratitude and recognition, Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has awarded a fully-furnished two-bedroom home to a dedicated health worker, Mrs. Marbel Ijeoma Duaka, who has served in the insurgency-hit town of Mafa for over two decades.

Mrs. Duaka, originally from Anambra State, has spent 24 years working at the Primary Healthcare Centre in Mafa and was praised for her unwavering commitment, particularly during the height of the Boko Haram insurgency when many fled the area.

Presenting her with the keys to the house, Governor Zulum paid tribute to her resilience and service, noting, “She has remained in Mafa without interruption for more than two decades, even during the peak of the Boko Haram crisis. While others fled, she stayed—despite being a non-indigene.”

Zulum, who revealed that Duaka had treated members of his own family, including his mother, further instructed that the property be allocated directly in her name. “Do not leave Mafa, even after your retirement,” he urged.

In addition to the housing gift, the governor announced an automatic employment offer for Duaka’s son, Anthony, a graduate of Banking and Finance. He is to assume a position at Kashim Ibrahim University, Maiduguri, with immediate effect.

The recognition came as part of a larger ceremony in Mafa Local Government Area, where 72 teachers and health workers were granted housing units in appreciation of their service to the state.

This isn’t the first time Governor Zulum has recognized non-indigenous workers for their dedication. In 2022, he awarded a house to Mrs. Obiageli Mazi, a teacher from Abia State, after 31 years of exemplary service in Borno.

An emotional Mrs. Duaka described the day as the most joyful of her life. “Today is the happiest day for me. His Excellency has honored me beyond words. He gave me a scholarship to pursue a BSc in Health Education, and now he’s given my son a job and me a house. I am truly grateful.”

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General Oluyede made this declaration while closing the Nigerian Army’s first Biannual Conference of 2025, held in Maiduguri, Borno State — a region at the forefront of the country’s counterinsurgency operations. The three-day event brought together senior army officials to evaluate current strategies and chart new pathways for defending the nation.

“There is no room for hesitation in our resolve to eliminate those who seek to undermine our peace,” the Army Chief stated. “I am charging every officer and soldier to give no ground to terrorists or criminal elements. They must be driven out entirely.”

He reiterated that the insurgents aim to destabilise Nigeria’s way of life and destroy the societal foundation built by previous generations, adding, “We must never allow such ambitions to succeed.”

General Oluyede highlighted that the strategic decisions made during the conference would soon translate into concrete military actions. He disclosed that the army will soon deploy additional combat-support assets to boost ongoing operations across affected regions.

Yet, he stressed that the strength of the army lies not just in weaponry but in the courage and commitment of its personnel. “The real force behind our military might is the determination of the men and women who serve,” he said.

He also called on senior officers to provide strong leadership, mentorship, and discipline to guide the troops effectively. “We must raise a generation of soldiers who are not only skilled but also deeply committed to defending our nation,” he said.

Reflecting on the conference, General Oluyede praised the level of discourse and strategic insight shared among participants, noting that the deliberations reflected the depth of professionalism needed to position the Nigerian Army for the future.

“The quality of contributions has exceeded my expectations. I am confident that the resolutions from this gathering will shape both our immediate and long-term military engagements,” he concluded.

The conference ends as the army renews its commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s territorial integrity and rooting out all threats to peace and national unity.

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Speaking during an interview aired on News Central TV, Governor Zulum emphasized the urgent need for a coordinated response between federal and state authorities to tackle the evolving security landscape.

“The Nigerian Army is operating with limited resources and is currently ill-equipped to effectively respond to the advanced tactics now being employed by insurgents,” Zulum said.

He noted that insurgent groups have begun deploying modern technology, including surveillance tools and drones, to gain an advantage on the battlefield. According to the governor, Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja recently informed him of the critical need for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to enhance intelligence gathering and improve operational outcomes.

“In our recent discussion, the Chief of Army Staff stated that 32 drones are urgently needed to turn the tide. Each costs about $5.5 million. It’s time we pool resources—federal and state—to make this investment and prioritize national security,” Zulum explained.

The governor also highlighted procurement inefficiencies as a barrier to progress, criticizing reliance on contractors and urging a direct government-to-government approach to acquiring military assets. He warned that bureaucratic delays and corruption in procurement processes often derail timely delivery of essential equipment.

Zulum expressed optimism that, with political will and strategic collaboration, the insurgency could be brought under control in a short period. “If we align our efforts and do the right thing, we can end this within six months,” he asserted.

He further appealed for depoliticization of national security, stressing the importance of unity and transparency in tackling the crisis. “Security should be above politics. The Federal Government must listen to state voices. We’re ready to contribute our ideas and efforts to restore peace,” he said.

Governor Zulum’s remarks underscore growing concerns about the effectiveness of Nigeria’s current counterinsurgency strategy and add to calls for urgent reforms in defense spending and intergovernmental coordination.

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Shortly after the disaster, officials from the Borno State government and Dr. Ndiame Diop of the World Bank visited the site, promising swift repairs to damaged infrastructure. Initial reconstruction began promptly, offering residents a glimpse of hope.

But that hope has since dimmed. The repair work suddenly ceased, leaving the community stranded with only a makeshift crossing—one that now seems unfit for the upcoming rainy season.

“For families like mine, daily movement has become a burden,” said Jibrin Abba, a 59-year-old trader and father of four. “Our children are terrified when we try to cross. Mothers carry babies over unstable planks. It’s exhausting.”

Residents say the bridge is not just a convenience but a lifeline.

“There’s no alternative route that doesn’t cost time and money,” explained Emmanuel Ibrahim, 46, another father of four. “Without that bridge, we can’t get to work, school, hospitals, or even home safely.”

Voices like Fatima Abdullahi’s echo through the community. A 52-year-old mother of seven, she recalls seeing construction crews arrive, only to vanish days later.

“They said work would continue, but no one has returned. Elderly people like me can’t walk the uneven detour paths. We’re pleading with the government to act before the rains begin again.”

With the rainy season on the horizon, residents fear total isolation if urgent action is not taken. The community is united in one message: they need help, and they need it fast.

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The Borno State Geographic Information Service (BOGIS) has reiterated its dedication to modernizing land management and urban development, ensuring that more residents, particularly those with low incomes, can secure legal land titles.

The Executive Secretary of BOGIS, Adam Bababe, made this known during a courtesy visit by the CEO of the African Cities Research Consortium (ACRC), Prof. Diana Mitlin, in Maiduguri. He emphasized that digitalizing land records has simplified the land titling process, encouraging legal ownership for both residential and commercial purposes.

Advancing Systematic Land Titling

Bababe highlighted the success of the Systematic Land Titling (SLT) programme, launched in 2022, which has significantly increased the conversion of customary land titles to statutory ones. He revealed that efforts are ongoing to integrate statutory and customary land rights into a single digital database, with data collection already completed for low and medium-density areas of Maiduguri.

ACRC’s Support for Land Ownership

Seeking further improvement, Bababe requested ACRC’s support in training BOGIS staff in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to enhance land administration efficiency.

In response, Prof. Mitlin commended BOGIS for its proactive approach, pledging ACRC’s support for 100 women in Maiduguri Metropolitan Council (MMC) and Jere Local Government Area to secure land titles, along with covering application fees for an additional 1,000 residents.

She emphasized ACRC’s focus on research-driven urban solutions, governance, and economic development, adding that empowering women through land ownership is crucial to improving their livelihoods.

With these initiatives, BOGIS is making strides toward streamlined land administration, economic growth, and inclusivity in property ownership across Borno State.

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