Ndume Laments Renewed Boko Haram Attacks: “Our People Deserve To Live In Peace”
Ndume Laments Renewed Boko Haram Attacks
The shadows of insurgency have once again cast a dark cloud over Borno State. Over the weekend, suspected Boko Haram fighters unleashed yet another wave of violence, leaving communities in Ngoshe and Mussa shattered by grief. For many in the region, these attacks are not just tragic headlines — they are painful reminders of a crisis that has lingered for more than a decade……CONTINUE READING
According to reports, the assaults began Saturday morning when insurgents ambushed farmers in Ngoshe, Gwoza Local Government Area, killing five who had set out to earn a simple living from their farmlands. Later that evening, armed men stormed Mussa community in Askira/Uba LGA, murdering three young men before torching homes and shops. The brutality left families devastated, businesses in ruins, and communities reeling with fear.
Ndume’s Emotional Response
Reacting to the tragic events, Senator Ali Ndume, who represents Borno South, condemned the killings in a strongly worded statement. He described the attacks as “heartbreaking and deeply painful,” noting that innocent men and women continue to fall prey to insurgents despite their only desire being to farm, trade, and live in peace.
“I am profoundly saddened by these senseless killings. Our people, whose only pursuit is peace and livelihood, continue to fall victim to the cruelty of insurgents. These young men and women deserved to live, to farm, and to dream, but their lives have been cut short by those who thrive on violence and destruction,” Ndume said.
Why the Attacks Keep Happening
The senator’s outrage underscores a larger question: Why do these attacks persist despite years of counter-insurgency efforts? Analysts point to a mix of factors — from insufficient deployment of troops and equipment in rural areas to gaps in intelligence gathering. Many also argue that the terrorists exploit the remoteness of farming communities, where security presence is thin and response time is slow.
The renewed violence also highlights the fragility of peace in areas previously considered relatively stable. While the military has made gains in reclaiming territory from Boko Haram and ISWAP, the insurgents’ shift to asymmetric warfare — targeting farmers, traders, and vulnerable communities — continues to devastate lives and livelihoods.
Ndume’s Call for Stronger Security Measures
Ndume reaffirmed his commitment to pushing for greater protection of rural communities, outlining measures he believes are urgently needed. These include:
Deployment of more security personnel across vulnerable communities.
Equipping forces with sophisticated weapons and surveillance technology.
Stationing fighter jets or attack helicopters to ensure rapid response.
Strengthening intelligence networks to preempt attacks.
Encouraging community vigilance and cooperation with security agencies.
He stressed that the safety of farmers and villagers must be treated as a top priority, not only to save lives but also to secure Nigeria’s food supply chain.
A Painful Reminder and a Call to Action
Beyond the numbers, each life lost in Ngoshe and Mussa represents a family torn apart, a dream cut short, and a future stolen. These recurring tragedies serve as a stark reminder that Nigeria’s fight against insurgency is far from over.
For policymakers, Ndume’s passionate outcry is a call to match words with action. For communities, it is another plea to remain vigilant and united. And for the rest of the country, it is a wake-up call that insecurity in the Northeast is not just a regional problem but a national challenge with wide-ranging implications — from food security to national stability.
Conclusion: Until Nigeria decisively addresses the roots of insurgency and strengthens rural security, heartbreaking headlines like these will continue to emerge. Ndume’s anger reflects the frustration of millions who simply want to live in peace. The question remains: how much longer must they wait?