Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State has publicly criticized Nigeria’s Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris, over his reaction to recent warnings about renewed Boko Haram attacks in the northeast.
Zulum had raised the alarm earlier this week, saying that insurgents especially Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters had become more active and were operating with little resistance in Borno.
He warned that the situation demanded urgent intervention from both the military and paramilitary forces.
However, Idris, via a statement issued by his media aide Rabiu Ibrahim, denied claims that he downplayed Zulum’s concerns.
The minister labeled headlines quoting him as dismissive of Zulum’s fears as “sensational” and “intended to mislead the public.”
Unmoved, Zulum told journalists that the Minister lacked a real understanding of the situation in the field.
“I won’t trade words, but it’s clear he doesn’t know what is happening,” he said, adding that Borno has taken steps by engaging military leaders in Abuja and receiving solid commitments from them.
He assured citizens that under his leadership, Boko Haram would not regain the influence it once had in the state.
“We’ll reinforce our civilian volunteers and work closely with the military. We’re determined to bring this crisis under control,” Zulum promised.
He also stated that the gap in security seen recently would not be allowed to continue unchecked.