RECONSTRUCTION AND REHABILITATION OF HERITAGE SITES IN BORNO STATE FOLLOWING BOKO HARAM ATTACKS

Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, highlighted the allocation of resources for the recovery and reconstruction of heritage sites ravaged by Boko Haram insurgents. The historic sites in Kukawa, including the centuries-old Fort of Rabbi and Gazargamu, were annexed and subsequently demolished by the terrorist group.

During the opening of an international conference organized by the University of Maiduguri’s Centre for the Study and Promotion of Cultural Sustainability, Governor Zulum announced plans to establish a museum dedicated to the insurgency. Speaking through the Commissioner for Information and Internal Security, Prof Usman Tar, he emphasized the profound impact of the Boko Haram insurgency on the region’s culture.

The governor acknowledged the severe losses in material and anthropological culture caused by the insurgency, stating that efforts are underway to reclaim these values. He mentioned the challenges of rebuilding not only the physical aspects but also the mental components such as core values and norms, which will require time to restore.

The conference’s theme, “Culture, Resettlement, and Post-Insurgency,” was discussed by Prof Saliba B. James, the Director of the center.

He expressed that the event provides scholars with an opportunity to assess efforts related to the relocation and resettlement of insurgency victims by the government and other stakeholders, including the university. Prof James mentioned the center’s alignment with regional developments and the discussions on challenges faced and solutions proposed during the conference.

Hamisu Kabir Matazu, Maiduguri from the News source: DailyTrust