By; Abdullahi Inuwa
The streets of Maiduguri came alive on Friday evening in a powerful display of love, pride, and unwavering support as residents poured out in their thousands to welcome back Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, after a daring week-long journey through the volatile jungles of the state.
Unlike other leaders who seek praise through media spins or lavish campaigns, Zulum’s bond with the people of Borno is built on raw courage and grassroots sacrifice. The moment he returned, chants of “Zulum! Zulum! Mai Gaskiya!” echoed through the city. Crowds waved banners, danced, and shed tears of joy — a spontaneous celebration for a man whose bravery has continually rekindled hope in the war-weary state.
Seven Days of Bold Decisions
Governor Zulum had spent seven intense days traversing areas still vulnerable to attacks by Boko Haram. Rather than rely on reports from aides or commanders, he opted to see the reality himself — a move both dangerous and inspiring.
One of his major stops was Marte, a town ravaged once again by insurgent attacks. Thousands of residents had fled, and the town, once resettled four years ago, had fallen back into crisis. Zulum didn’t just visit — he spent the night there, organizing civilian reinforcements and urging immediate federal military intervention.
“Marte was attacked and emptied again. If not properly protected, those 20,000 displaced might be easy targets for recruitment by insurgents,” Zulum warned. His passionate appeal resulted in swift reinforcement by the Nigerian military. Days later, the town was back on its feet, with renewed security and economic activities returning.
Frontline Encouragement
Zulum’s tour wasn’t limited to towns. He visited troops along the shores of Lake Chad — one of the deadliest zones in the region — where he met with soldiers, assessed their challenges, and boosted morale. According to insiders, his hands-on leadership and humility struck a deep chord among the troops, who saw not just a governor but a fellow patriot willing to share their burden.
In Rann, headquarters of Kala-Balge Local Government, Zulum spent Sunday night coordinating humanitarian and military support while encouraging unity and resilience among locals. He also called on all Borno residents to fast and pray for peace on Monday — a spiritual effort that saw overwhelming response across the state and beyond.
A Leader the Streets Will Always Rise For
“Some leaders buy the street with money. Others earn it with action,” said a local trader, Alhaji Modu Bakura, who joined the jubilant crowd in Maiduguri. “Zulum doesn’t need a convoy to be recognized. His deeds announce him before he arrives.”
Zulum’s return was not just a homecoming — it was a reaffirmation of trust between a fearless leader and a people yearning for peace. His courage continues to light a path through Borno’s darkness, reminding all that even in the face of danger, leadership means showing up — not from behind a desk, but in the heart of the storm.
About The Author
