Zulum sacks absentee village, ward heads

Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has ordered the immediate suspension and sacking of all village and ward heads in Malam Fatori, the headquarters of Abadam LGA, over their absence from the community.

The governor gave the order on Monday during a working visit to the border community.

He described their absence as unacceptable at a time when displaced residents are returning and undertaking the difficult task of rebuilding their homes.

“Traditional leaders have a critical role to play in stabilising communities emerging from conflict. Their presence is essential not only for maintaining communication between government and residents but also for strengthening community resilience and providing leadership as returnees settle into their ancestral homes,” he emphasised.

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He directed the Commissioner for Local Government and Emirate Affairs, Hon. Sugun Mai Mele, to collaborate with the Shehu of Borno to immediately commence the appointment process for new traditional leaders.

Zulum stressed that replacements must be competent, of proven integrity, and able to work hand-in-hand with the government and security agencies to drive stability and development.

Meanwhile, the governor has committed to rapidly reconstructing critical public infrastructure in the war-ravaged Malam Fatori.

He said the effort is aimed at supporting residents returning to communities liberated from insurgency.

Accompanied by top government officials and lawmakers—including Senate Chief Whip, Senator Mohammed Tahir Monguno, Zulum inspected extensive damage to schools, government buildings, and housing facilities.

Years of conflict have left Malam Fatori heavily war-ravaged, with dilapidated structures and abandoned public infrastructure that bear witness to the town’s disrupted development.

To fast-track the return of normal life, Zulum directed the immediate construction of a primary school, a secondary school, an Islamiyya school, and a local hospital to restore access to vital education and healthcare services.

“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 stated.

During the visit, the governor also met directly with residents to listen to their immediate needs and the challenges they face in resettling.