Following recent Boko Haram attacks that left scores of people killed and millions of property destroyed, the House of Representatives has called on the Federal Government to swiftly deploy troops to the Borno State’s troubled communities.
The House passed the resolution after adopting a motion of urgent national public importance, moved by Rep. Midala Balami, representing Askira-Uba/Hawul Federal Constituency in Borno State, during Tuesday’s session.
While presenting the motion, the lawmaker informed the House about the devastating recent attacks by Boko Haram insurgents on Jibwuwhi and Yarkawa communities in the Hawul Local Government Area of Borno.
The assaults, he said, resulted in significant loss of lives, destruction of property, and displacement of innocent residents.
He said:”Violent attacks have persisted despite ongoing security interventions, leaving communities vulnerable to repeated assaults, loss of livelihoods, and severe humanitarian crises.
“The House is concerned that the residents of Jibwuwhi, Yarkawa and its surrounding areas are living in fear and distress following the attack, with many forced to flee their homes, creating an urgent need for enhanced security measures and humanitarian relief.
“The House is worried that, despite the magnitude of the attack, there has been inadequate response in terms of security reinforcement and immediate relief support for the affected people, worsening their suffering and leaving them in dire need of assistance.
“The continuous terrorist attacks in Hawul, Askira-Uba, Chibok and other parts of Borno State not only threaten the safety and well-being of residents but also undermine national security and efforts toward peace, stability, and development in the North East region.”
Balami cautioned that without swift action to secure communities and support victims, the region may see a surge in attacks, displacement, and a worsening humanitarian crisis that extends far beyond his constituency.
Following the motion’s adoption, the House called for swift action from the Nigerian Army, Nigeria Police Force, and other relevant security agencies to deploy their personnel and bolster security operations in vulnerable areas, including Jibwuwhi and Yarkawa communities in Hawul Local Government Area to prevent future attacks.
It also called on the Federal Government, through the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, National Emergency Management Agency in collaboration with the Borno State Government, to facilitate the immediate provision of relief materials, including food, medical aid, and psychosocial support to the affected victims.
It further mandated its Committees on Army, National Security and Intelligence, and Humanitarian Affairs to conduct a thorough investigation into the security breaches that enabled the attack, oversee the deployment of additional security measures, and guarantee the prompt provision of humanitarian aid to affected communities.
The House also urged the federal government to bolster its counter-terrorism efforts in Borno State by enhancing intelligence gathering, strengthening collaboration between security agencies and local vigilante groups, and implementing more effective strategies to prevent future insurgent activities in Askira-Uba/Hawul Federal Constituency.
The nearly defeated non-state armed group (NSAG) has been conducting sporadic attacks on soft targets in Borno State.
Persecondnews recalls that in February 2024, the group allegedly abducted hundreds of internally displaced persons (IDPs), including many women, boys, and girls, in Ngala LGA, Borno State.
In June 2024, scores of civilians were reportedly killed and others seriously injured following suicide bomb attacks in Gwoza LGA, also in Borno.
In July 2024, suspected Boko haram attacked farmers in the Firgi community, also in Gwoza LGA, leading to the killing of an unspecified number of IDPs and the abduction of two women and seven teenage girls who were later released.
In September 2024, more than 100 men and boys lost their lives following an attack on Mafa, in Yobe State’s Tarmuwa LGA. Several other incidents were reported in Borno’s Dikwa, Logomane, Ngala and Pulka areas
Also in January 11, 2025, the group killed over 40 farmers and fishermen at a settlement in Kukawa Local Government Area of the state.
Leave a comment