Borno Offers Sambisa Forest To FG For Ruga Settlement

Borno Government Gits Sambisa Forest For Ruga

Borno State Government under the leadership of Governor Babagana Umara, has offered the use of the dreaded Sambisa Forest to the federal government for the controversial RUGA settlement plan.

The governor also mandated security agencies including the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC), Agro Rangers and hunters to secure the large expanse of the forest and make it safe for the scheme.

Naija News understands the Sambisa Forest area covers six council areas of Konduga, Bama, Gwoza, Chibok, Damboa and Askira/Uba.

The governor made the decision public on Monday when he played host to the Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Garbai El-Kanemi, who paid him a Sallah homage.

He further disclosed that security operatives including local hunters with knowledge of the local terrain have been mandated to provide security for the farmers, herders, and residents in their respective communities.

In his words, “This administration is determined to strengthen the security architecture to encourage farming and herding activities across the state.

“We’re also distributing 80 patrol vehicles to the response team so that farmers, herders and commuters could move as well as travel within a radius of 30-40 kilometres of Maiduguri metropolis.”

Umaru said the government is committed to the fight against insurgency, and creating food security and job for the teeming youths.

“About 75 trained agro rangers and 300 hunters will also be mobilised next week to enable farmers cultivate their farmlands that were prevented by terrorists’ activities.

“The state government is determined to address the root causes of insurgency through improved security; fight against drug abuse and enhance food security with increased job creation among unemployed youths.”