Zulum Suspends Mallam-Fatori Leaders

….Orders Fresh Appointments

Borno Governor directs immediate reconstruction of schools, hospital in insurgency-hit border town
Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, has ordered the immediate suspension of all village and ward heads in Mallam-Fatori, Abadam Local Government Area, following their absence during his visit to the border community

Zulum announced the decision during a working tour of Mallam-Fatori, where he also ordered the immediate reconstruction of key public infrastructure destroyed by years of Boko Haram insurgency.

The governor directed the construction of an Islamiyya school, primary and secondary schools, and a hospital as part of measures to encourage displaced residents to return and rebuild their lives.

Inspecting the community, Zulum expressed concern over the extensive destruction of schools, government facilities, houses and other public infrastructure.

He said reconstruction must go beyond bringing displaced residents back, stressing that adequate social amenities were necessary to make their return permanent and sustainable.

“Provision of basic amenities is critical to enabling returnees to rebuild their lives, restore livelihoods, and give their children a stronger foundation for the future,” he said.

The governor also interacted with residents and listened to their concerns regarding the ongoing return and resettlement process.

His visit, however, was marked by his discovery that the village and ward heads were not present in the community.

Zulum consequently ordered their immediate suspension and directed the state government to begin the process of appointing new traditional representatives.

He said traditional rulers had a crucial responsibility in maintaining stability, strengthening communication with government and security agencies, and providing leadership in communities emerging from conflict.

Zulum directed the Commissioner for Local Government and Emirate Affairs, Hon. Sugun Mai Mele, to work with the Shehu of Borno to facilitate the appointment of new village and ward heads.

He said the new traditional leaders must be people of integrity and competence who would be committed to the development and stabilisation of the community.

The governor also visited the 68 Battalion of the Nigerian Army in Mallam-Fatori, where he met the Commanding Officer, Lt. Col. D.Y. Chuwar, and senior military personnel.

He praised the troops for their sacrifices and commitment to securing the community, assuring them of continued support from the Borno Government.

The intervention is part of the state government’s wider reconstruction and resettlement efforts aimed at rebuilding communities devastated by insurgency and creating conditions for the safe and sustainable return of displaced persons.