By; Adamu Aliyu Ngulde, Maiduguri

Governor Babagana Umara Zulum of Borno State has raised an alarm over Fighters of the Islamic States of West African Province organizing a wedding ceremony around Mandira Girau, Biu Local Government, where their members in motorcycles attend.

The hint by the Governor gave credence to a rumour already out in the public.

The governor gave the hint on Wednesday when he hosted members of Senate Committee on the Nigerian Army, led by Sen. Mohammed Ali Ndume at the Council Chamber of the State Government House Maiduguri.

While commending the successes of the military, the governor said there is upsurge of ISWAP activities recently in southern parts of Borno, which poses a potential threat not only to the people of the state but the country at large.

One, increasing presence of ISWAP in Borno especially in the southern part of the state, Zulum said “Honestly speaking, we have to do something.

“Few days ago, I have a very good security information that they did a party, a wedding ceremony in Mandira Girau, with about 300 motorcycles, something needs to be done”.

He explained that their presence is an early warning, which needs to be addressed, failure of which will be a tragedy not only to the people of North East but Nigeria at large.

He further stressed that ISWAP are better armed, more equipped, more intelligent, more sophisticated and funded than Boko Haram, which is a reference to the now weakened Abubakar Shekau faction by activities shortly after the gang leader’s death.

The governor told the committee that the Nigeria Army must not relent or relax after the successes it has achieved.

It could be recalled that the people of Damboa axis told Liberty News that ISWAP are setting up checkpoints between Damboa-Wajiroko-Biu road, extorting money and imposing taxes on highways.

He stressed that something has to be also done in addressing that before the matter goes out of hand.

The governor also stressed that the surrender of some of them and efforts made at dialogue, in addition to increased military onslaught, are some of the major factors in recent peace and stability in the state. About eleven local governments: Marte, Damboa, Chibok, Ngamboru Ngala, Dikwa, Gwoza, Bama, Konduga, Gubio, Monguno, Kaga and Kukawa are already becoming more peaceful because of the efforts of the military and the ongoing surrender of the fighters.