Borno Gov Counters Military Claim That Locals Refuse To Cooperate

The Governor of Borno State, Babagana Zulum says that the reason why members of communities in Borno State have refused to give intelligence to soldiers is that they have lost their lives doing so.

Zulum, in a speech, said that Borno residents have always cooperated with the military.

This comes on the back of claims by the Nigerian military that locals refused to cooperate with the soldiers, hampering a successful fight against terrorism in the region.

Zulum said,  “This is one of many consequences of Borno peoples’ cooperation in years now. Many have died for giving intelligence to soldiers, yet the communities won’t stop. Many have followed soldiers to the battles and died, yet they won’t stop. Let us hear one idiot accuse the Borno people again."

He pointed out that the insurgent group disclosed that the reason for beheading the rice farmers was due to their cooperation with the military.

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He said, “They said Borno people do not cooperate but here is the latest example; the Boko Haram just announced that they beheaded dozens of Zabarmari farmers for informing soldiers about their movement and for capturing one of their men and handing over to soldiers recently.”

Over 43 farmers were beheaded by Boko Haram insurgents in the Zabarmari community in Borno State.