Borno State Government has recommended the engagement of mercenaries by the Nigerian Government to fight Boko Haram terrorists.
Governor Babagana Zulum made the call when the Senate President, Ahmed Lawan, led the Federal Government delegation sent by President Muhammadu Buhari, to commiserate with the government and people of Borno State over the recent murder of 43 farmers.
Zulum also asked the Federal Government to consider the immediate recruitment of its youths into the military and the paramilitary, to supplement the efforts of engagement with the terrorists in the State.
The Governor told the delegation that, it is sad that the insurgency has persisted for 11 years.
He recommended the engagement of the services of Borno State neighbours including the Republic of Cameroon, Chad and Niger Republic, to clear the remnants of the terrorists. He said there is need for the provision of mine-resistant Armoured Personnel Carriers and to support the repatriation of displaced persons from Cameroon and Niger Republic.
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Governor Zulum also frowned at the N45 billion, representing 0.35% of total budgetary allocation for capital development, in the entire North-East.
He says with such paltry allocation, peace will be far- fetched, with the numerous appalling highways.
Senate President Lawan, said President Buhari, has assured the continued provision of resources, and has given marching orders for the military, to take the fight to the terrorists.
The Federal Government delegation includes the Chief of Staff to the President, Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Ministers of State for Agriculture and Rural Development, Works and Housing, the National Security Adviser, and the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity among others.
(Editor: Terverr Tyav)
