Boko Haram insurgency, compounded by economic hardship, has aggravated a severe hunger crisis in Guzamala Local Government Area and its surrounding environs in Northern Borno, leaving thousands of residents displaced and struggling to access food.
In an exclusive interview with Nigerian Tribune in Maiduguri on Wednesday, Maina Modu, senior special assistant on media and publicity to the Borno State Speaker of the House of Assembly, revealed that Boko Haram remains active in Guzamala, particularly in Gudumbali, the capital of the LGA, rendering the area inaccessible due to the presence of fighters who have dislodged and scattered thousands of residents.
Modu noted that there is no military presence, but recently, the state government has mobilized 500 members of the Civilian Joint Task Force, including vigilantes and local security personnel, to collaborate with the police Crack Unit in protecting the only occupied ward, Marari, in Guzamala LGA.
He added that out of the 10 wards, only Marari is occupied, while the other nine wards are inaccessible due to the presence of Boko Haram fighters.
According to him, the presence of ISWAP/Boko Haram fighters has prevented residents from accessing their farmlands, while 90% of the residents are taking refuge in Gubio, Nganzai, and Monguno LGAs.
Modu explained that due to the high level of hunger, people of Guzamala have resorted to farming in Goni Adamti, Bulturam, Abbari, among other villages, exposing themselves to danger from Boko Haram fighters who intimidate them to leave or face consequences.
He stated that people lack food, and the situation is dire, with children malnourished and mothers crossing borders to neighboring countries like Chad, Cameroon, and Niger to get food.
Boko Haram has also set up barricades to seize belongings, including food, and destroyed farm plots that sustain families.
Modu emphasised that hunger is the immediate concern, with many people falling sick due to hunger, and children being the most vulnerable.
Many cannot afford a square meal, and residents have become IDPs in neighboring communities like Nganzai, Damasak, Gubio, and Maiduguri.
Although the state government has shared food and items, hunger persists due to lack of jobs and inaccessible farmlands and ancestral homes.
Another issue is the impact on children’s education, as hunger has forced teenage boys and girls to drop out of school to work for food. Most people have fled Guzamala, which has become a forgotten LGA in Borno.
Increased attacks on farmers are leading to displacement, market disruptions, and loss of livelihoods.
Modu appealed to the Federal Government and military to recapture the area and ensure safety for farmers and residents to return to their ancestral homes.
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