Chief of Defence Staff General Christopher Musa visited Maiduguri yesterday to commiserate with Governor Babagana Zulum and the Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Abubakar Umar Garba, over the recent devastating floods in Borno State. General Musa was accompanied by other service chiefs, including the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, and the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar.
This was disclosed in a press statement released on Thursday and signed by Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, Director, Defense Information.
During his visit to the Government House, General Musa sympathized with the government and people of Borno State, acknowledging the unpredictability and difficulty of mitigating the flooding. He assured Governor Zulum that the Armed Forces would continue to support the state in addressing issues arising from the floods.
Governor Zulum expressed gratitude to General Musa and the military for their rescue efforts, stating that without their support, more lives would have been lost. He also reported that insecurity in the state had improved by over 90% and that peace was gradually returning to Borno.
At the Shehu of Borno Palace, General Musa offered prayers for the deceased and commiserated with those who lost their livelihoods. The Shehu of Borno thanked General Musa and his entourage for their assistance to Maiduguri.
General Musa also addressed troops, commending their prompt response and rescue operations during the flooding. He emphasized the need for continued support to the state government and urged troops to remain focused on diminishing criminal capabilities while pledging necessary equipment and welfare support.
The statement read in part, “The Chief of Staff ( CDS), General Christopher Gwabin Musa has today, 19 September, 2024 visited Maiduguri to commensurate with the Governor, His Excellency, Professor Babagana Zulum and the Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Abubakar Umar Garba over the recent flooding that ravages the state.
“Speaking at the Government house Maiduguri, the CDS sympathized with the government and people of Borno state over the unfortunate flooding. According to him, the flooding was unpredictable, therefore very difficult to mitigate.
“He prayed such incidence would never occur again. General Musa assured the governor that members of the Armed Forces will continue to support him to ensure he addresses all issues that might arise as a result of the flooding.
“The CDS also conveyed the special greetings from the President as he commended their bravely. General Musa Further appealed for troops to be more focused and committed to diminishing the capabilities of criminals while pledging to provide all necessary equipment to execute their tasks.
He finally promised to look at the welfare needs of the troops in order to meet up with changing demands.”
