Maiduguri - Governor Kashim Shettima of Borno has expressed shock at the level of destruction in Bama, which was liberated by the military from suspected Boko Haram insurgents.
He made the remark on Wednesday during an assessment visit to Bama, headquarters of Bama Local Government Area.
He said that about 90 per cent of buildings in the town were destroyed by the insurgents, who occupied the town for about six months before it was liberated by the military.
"What we have seen today is wanton destruction of all structures.
"All public and private buildings including clinics, places of worship, houses and markets have been burnt by the insurgents.
"Going by the facts on the ground, between 80 and 90 per cent of all structures in the town have either been burnt or destroyed," he said.
The governor reiterated government commitment to rebuilding all communities destroyed by the insurgents.
"We are determined to rebuild the state, no matter what.
"We will reach out to the federal government through the Victims Support Fund and other avenues to secure assistance toward rebuilding the state," he said.
Shettima added that government would seek help from multinational donors, the United States, and other international organisations in sourcing funds to rebuild the state.
He commended the military for their gallantry in liberating the communities occupied by the insurgents.
"Part of the reasons for my visit is to thank the military including the Nigeria Police, other security agencies and even the local vigilantes for their sacrifices towards ensuring peace in the state," he said.
He said government would relocate the residents of Bama to Maiduguri to allow the military carry out full scale assault on the insurgents at their Sambisa hideout.
He said the effort was aimed at safe guarding their lives pending when full normalcy would be restored in the town.
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