Reps Probe Borno Barracks Armory Fire Outbreak

The House of Representatives on Tuesday resolved to investigate the cause of the fire incident at Giwa Barracks Armory’s in Maiduguri, the Borno state capital.

This followed the adoption of a motion brought under Matters of Urgent Public Importance, moved by Hon. Ahmed Satomi (APC, Borno) at plenary on Tuesday.

Moving the motion, Hon Satomi expressed deep concern about the escalating attacks on military formations in Borno and Yobe states.

According to him, Boko Haram has escalated their attacks on several military formations within these two months, adding that several soldiers and civilians were killed during the recent attacks.

The chairman House committee on National Security and Intelligence expressed worry that the Barack was attacked several times by Boko Haram terrorists, noting that the surrounding civilian settlement continue to be at risk.

He described the recent surge in Boko Haram attacks on military formation as deeply alarming, saying the bravery and sacrifice of the military personnel are being tested by these relentless assault.

Adopting the motion, the House resolved to conduct a thorough review of security measures in military installations to prevent similar incidents and strengthen security operations in Borno and Yobe states to protect military personnel and civilians.

Also at plenary, the House condemned in strong terms the gruesome killings and destruction of properties in Otukpo local government area of Benue state.

This followed the adoption of a motion moved by Hon. Blessing Onuh (APC, Benue), calling on the National Security Adviser and the Service Chiefs to ensure maximum deployment of security personnel to the troubled areas.

Moving the motion, Onuh lamented that Otukpo, the once peaceful town known for its hospitality had, in recent years, witnessed atrocious killings by armed herders.

“Communities affected include but are not limited to are Asa 2, Akpa Otobi, Adoka, Okpomaju, and Amichi. This horrific act has left several persons dead, including a retired senior customs officer, and thousands are currently displaced living in IDP camps,” he said.

The lawmaker further expressed worries that the people of Otukpo and its environs, who are largely farmers, cannot access their farmland and grow crops, thus threatening food production and food sufficiency.