From Sani Gazas Chinade, Damaturu
Governor Babagana Umara Zulum of Borno has announced his steps to strengthen economic relations with the Chad Republic.
Our correspondent learnt that the move is aimed at reviving trade and socio-economic activities in the region, which have been adversely affected by years of Boko Haram insurgency in the entire Lake Chad territories.
Governor Zulum announced the plan while hosting a high-level Chadian delegation led by General Abdulkarim Idris Derby Itno, who expressed sympathy for the recent flood disaster in Maiduguri.
During the visit, the governor announced plans for a reciprocal visit to Chad to discuss regional economic and trade issues, particularly the restoration of waterway transport between Baga town and Chad.
In a press statement, Dauda Iliya, spokesperson of the Governor, said the governor also emphasized the importance of collaboration between the chambers of commerce in both countries to foster economic partnership.
The governor also outlined plans to repatriate Nigerian citizens currently residing in Baga Sola, Chad.
Both leaders expressed their commitment to regional peace and security, highlighting the shared cultural and historical ties between the two nations at large.
In his speech, General Abdulkarim Idris Derby Itno, who led the delegation, said the Chadian President is personally leading the war against Boko Haram following the brutal killing of his men some days ago.
According to the special report by many newspapers, the Chadian President was preparing for retaliation after the killing of over 40 soldiers by Boko Haram fighters at Barkaram military base.
The Chad leader has set up a camp at Lake Chad’s edge, where he directs Operation Haskanite to track down the terrorists responsible for the attack.
This paper report indicates that Chadian forces have pursued the insurgents deep into the lake’s island marshes, forcing them to scatter and abandon their camps with cattle, food items and other logistics to look for another shelter in other neighbouring countries or else to escape for their lives.
