Yobe: Residents in military operation zones asked to relocate for safety

The Yobe State Government has issued an appeal to residents in areas east of the Gujba-Buni Yadi road, requesting they relocate to the western side of the road to ensure their safety amid ongoing security operations.

Brig.-Gen. Dahiru Abdulsalam (rtd), the Special Adviser to Gov. Mai Mala Buni on Security Matters, made the appeal on Wednesday in Damaturu during a security meeting with leaders of herders’ organisations, traditional institutions, and local government authorities.

He warned that the eastern flank of the Gujba–Buni Yadi corridor remained an active military operation zone that posed serious risks to the civilian populace living there.

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“I want to use this medium to advise all people living east of the road to quietly relocate to the west of the road.

“This is in the interest of their safety and our collective security.

“That area is the Nigerian military’s operational zone, and we do not want innocent civilians becoming casualties in the crossfire,” he said.

He stressed the urgency of the matter, citing past incidents where innocent lives were lost due to military operations targeting insurgents.

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Abdulsalam said the meeting was part of broader consultations aimed at addressing the recurring farmers-herders conflict, which tends to escalate during the rainy season.

The adviser said the state government was also considering measures to control the indiscriminate use of cutlasses, which has been linked to violent altercations during disputes in rural communities.

“People are losing their lives over minor disagreements. In some cases, someone picks up a cutlass and attacks over trivial issues.

“We are looking into regulating the use of such weapons to prevent further loss of life,” he said.

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Abdulsalam also disclosed that recent intelligence reports prompted the closure of three markets due to threats to public safety and fears that such markets were being exploited by insurgents.

“We aim to develop concrete modalities for safeguarding these markets to ensure they do not serve as sources of oxygen for insurgent elements.”

He urged residents to remain vigilant, security conscious, and cooperate with security agencies.

In his remarks, Mr Khalil Bello, National President of the Kulen Allah Cattle Rearers Association of Nigeria (KACRAN), pledged the support of herders to the government’s peacebuilding initiatives.

“Our presence here today, myself and other pastoralist leaders, is a clear indication of our readiness to give the government maximum support and cooperation to achieve its goal of lasting peace,” Bello said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the meeting is part of the State Government’s ongoing multi-stakeholder strategy to prevent violent conflict, enhance public safety, and support the efforts of security agencies operating in the state.

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