Wake Odunsi
While still counting their losses after soldiers reclaimed Damboa in Borno State from the hands of the Boko Haram sect, leaders of the agrarian town say it remains uninhabitable until government assists those who wish to return by rebuilding their homes and business premises.
The community, has suffered terrorists’ attacks more than six times in the last two years, with the worst being the July attack that sacked both military and civilian residents.
At a save-our-soul press conference in Maiduguri yesterday, chairman of the Damboa Forum, Comrade Modu Shettima, stated that the 95 per cent of the town was ravaged while over 15,000 persons were displaced.
“Our people, who are still sleeping in displaced people’s camps, deserve special intervention from the state, federal and international donors,” he said.
“Our dear town, Damboa, has been a thriving farming and fishing community for many years which is now in ruins and its people in distress,” Shettima said.
“Almost all the houses, public buildings and security structures in the town were burnt down and rebuilding them remains a big challenge for the displaced who are yearning to go back home”.
“We believe the whole world knows what happened in Damboa where many people were killed. We pray God to grant their soul eternal rest.
“We are worried about the plight of our people. When would they return and how they would start a new life amidst daunting challenges because of the fact that the insurgents have destroyed everything.
“We thank the Nigerian security forces for mobilizing troops back to Damboa to protect our people. We are however appealing to both the Federal and Borno State government to provide shelter for our people,” Shettima said.
