The Senate on Wednesday, advocated for the location of a military base in the Hong Local Government Area of Adamawa State, aimed at addressing the upsurge of Boko Haram activities in this area and other states in the North-East.
The Senate resolution follows the adoption of a motion sponsored by Senator Aminu Abbas (PDP/Adamawa) and supported by all senators from the North-East during plenary.
The motion was titled: “Resurgence of Boko Haram activities in Hong and Gombi Local Government Areas, Adamawa and other North-East states.”
While acknowledging the commendable efforts of law enforcement officials, the Senate appealed to the federal government to establish a military base in Hong Local Government Area.
The Senate stated that the location of the base would provide additional support to the army and other security organisations.
The Senate also instructed the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to supply relief materials to assist communities affected by the Boko Haram attacks in the two council areas.
Presenting the motion, Sen. Abbas pointed out that due to the consistent Boko Haram assaults on various communities within Hong Local Government Area, countless innocent individuals have been rendered homeless and their possessions destroyed.
He indicated that the re-emergence of Boko Haram activities spans across the states of Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa.
The senator expressed concerns that the lamentable actions of the group have significantly disrupted economic activities within the North East, affecting both the zone and the nation as a whole.
“Residents in the impacted areas have ceased engaging in farming or trading activities,” he remarked.
Adding to the debate, Senate Chief Whip, Sen. Mohammed Monguno praised the military for their resolve and dedication in combating the Boko Haram insurgency.
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“I also acknowledge the political will and support that President Bola Tinubu has extended to the Nigerian military in fulfilling their responsibilities,” he emphasised.
Sen. Monguno recalled a time when nearly two-thirds of the local governments in Borno and Yobe States were under the dominance of Boko Haram.
“Thanks to the political commitment from the Tinubu-led federal administration and the resolve shown by the military, Boko Haram was driven out.
“However, it is disappointing to see a resurgence of Boko Haram, as they have begun to attack our military bases, displace them, and seize military armaments,” Sen. Monguno remarked.
In his closing comments, Senate President Godswill Akpabio stressed the importance of heightened alertness.
“There is a necessity for ongoing vigilance because, as noted, whenever the combat efforts wane and it appears the military has let up, they will launch unexpected assaults.
“Our borders remain quite vulnerable. Therefore, whenever they flee from Nigeria, since some are not Nigerian nationals, they still manage to infiltrate our communities and assault our citizens,” he stated.
