By Ndahi Marama, Maiduguri

Apparently perturbed by the renewed killings and abduction of innocent civilians by Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists, member representing Askira-Uba/Hawul Federal Constituency in Borno State, Hon Dr. Usman Midala Balami has moved a motion at Thursday plenary to immediately halt the ugly trend.

Rising in pursuant to Order 8, Rule 5 of the Standing Orders to seek the suspension of all relevant rules in order to present a Motion of Urgent Public Importance, Balami called on the members of the Honourable House to act towards stopping the incessant killings in Askira-Uba/Hawul Federal Constituency.

Presenting his Motion, Balami and the House, noted with grave concern the persistent and escalating attacks on communities within Askira-Uba/Hawul Federal Constituency, particularly in Mussa Ward, Leho, Pubagu, Kwajaffa, Harang villages, and several other affected communities too numerous to mention.

Also notes with deep concern, he said, is the recent abduction of about 20 persons along the Biu–Buratai–Damaturu Road last week, including women and children, leaving families and loved ones in distress and uncertainty.

The motion further notes that these attacks have resulted in the tragic loss of lives, displacement of families, and the destruction of homes, farmlands, and livelihoods in the affected communities.

This is in addition to the continuous violence, which has instilled fear, disrupted socio economic activities, and undermined peace and stability in the constituency, despite despite efforts and responses from relevant security agencies, which they decried, have not been sufficient to prevent recurrence.

He commends the efforts of His Excellency, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, Executive Governor of Borno State, for his consistent leadership in strengthening local vigilante groups and supporting security operations, while noting the need for stronger federal intervention;

Balami also condoles with the families of the 11 persons killed by Boko Haram in Pubagu village and others in Askira-Uba Local Government Area.

While acknowledges the constitutional responsibility of government to safeguard the lives and property of all citizens, the House unanimously resolved and urged the Federal Government to urgently deploy adequate military and paramilitary personnel to Mussa Ward, Leho, Pubagu, Kwajaffa, Harang villages, and other affected communities across Borno State, and to ensure the prompt rescue of the over 20 persons kidnapped along the Biu–Buratai–Damaturu Road last week.

It also call on the Chief of Defence Staff and other security agencies to intensify surveillance and establish permanent security outposts in the affected areas; Mandate the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and other relevant bodies to provide immediate relief and humanitarian assistance to victims.

The House however observed a minute of silence in honour of those who lost their lives in Mussa Ward, Leho, Mayonlamde, Pubagu, Kwajaffa, Harang, and other affected communities.