Gov Shettima’s office relocation hits 3rd day, as Bama elders donate 5,000 vigilantes

Encouraged by Governor Kashim Shettima’s 3rd day since temporary relocation to their town for the purpose of fast tracking ongoing reconstruction works, a group of elders and some stakeholders who hail from Bama local government area have contributed funds used to employ the services of 5,000 volunteers and vigilantes to help in securing Bama preparatory to the return of tens of thousands of internally displaced persons currently in camps within and outside Maiduguri.

Bama, the second largest town in Borno State was the worst hit by the Boko Haram insurgency as barely all structure was razed to the earth by the insurgents during the push by the military. Boko Haram had murderously attacked and took over the town about two years ago before it was liberated in 2015. Shettima relocated on Wednesday with earth moving equipment as reconstruction works go on.

Addressing newsmen at the Emir’s palace in Bama on Friday,  Al-Amin Kamsalem who spoke on behalf ‎of a group of Elders and Stakeholders present at the briefing said they (the indigenes) have cued into the ongoing reconstruction plan of Bama by the Borno State Government and willing to do everything to ensure they get rehabilitated back to their beloved town.

“The focus on Bama is because it is the worst hit, it is second largest town next to Maiduguri and of course, the next in population and also very strategic economically due to the border in Banki which is a major international business gateway. The Governor has focused on other places like Kaga, Dikwa, Konduga, Maiduguri Metropolitan Council, Jere and other areas and he is working in Gwoza but none of these suffered the injuries Bama has suffered. We have the highest number of victims from those killed to IDPs’ Kamsalem said.

The spokesperson, who was Commissioner for Information in the state and erstwhile chairman of Bama local government added that “all building professionals who are indigenes of Bama especially are going to render free service towards the rebuilding of Bama”.

“There is no motivation greater the courageous relocation of our Governor to our ancient town, we are going to definitely contribute financially, morally and spiritually towards the rebuilding of Bama and the continued peace of the town. We are completely behind the governor” Kamsalem said.

He revealed that the Bama elders and the people of the community have equally mobilized people to secure the town. “We have Civilian JTF, local hunters and vigilantes already willing to protect the town against aggressors. All these people are ready to complement the security agencies. We are spiritual people and we will continue to pray for God’s continued protection on the town” he noted.

He said: “We have donated 5,000 men to guard against any form of aggression on Bama; these are local hunters and Civilian JTF.”

“Our people are already on ground, assisting in the ongoing reconstruction of the town and we are all yearning to come back to our homes. Immediately the homes are ready, everyone would move in”

Kamsalem, who commended the governor’s commitment to the rebuilding of the state and resettlement of the victims of Boko Haram, said the governor has shown exemplary leadership qualities.