The Chairman of Hong Local Government Council in Adamawa State, Inuwa Usman Wa’aganda, has raised an alarm over the persistent assaults by insurgents on rural communities within the area.
Hong has emerged as the most impacted local government in Adamawa due to insurgency over the past year, with several attacks recorded in the current month alone.
Speaking at a ceremony held in the Hong LGA headquarters to honor military personnel from the area, the council chairman demanded urgent and decisive measures to curb the insurgency menace.
“Our spirits are low due to the insecurity that overwhelms us,” Wa’aganda expressed, noting that “numerous communities have been uprooted. This situation is especially concerning as the planting season approaches and farmers are too scared to go back to their fields.”
He appealed to the honored military officers to collaborate, leverage their connections, and restore peace to their homeland.
The grand event celebrating both active and retired military and paramilitary officers from Hong was orchestrated by the Huba Chiefdom, the paramount traditional authority in the region.
In his address, the paramount ruler, Tol Huba Alheri Bulus Nyako, thanked God for the courageous military officers from the chiefdom. He stated, “You have brought prestige to us, and we take pride in you. We recognize your efforts, which is why we have chosen to honor you.”
However, the Tol Huba voiced sorrow over the repeated attacks by Boko Haram elements on his chiefdom in recent months, calling on the federal government to take decisive action to stop the threat.
The reception, held at the Hong Township Stadium, drew prominent individuals from diverse backgrounds, including elder statesmen from the chiefdom such as 82-year-old Major General Haldu Hananiya (retired), who presided as chairman.
Hananiya remarked that the recognition given to serving and retired military personnel, including those who lost their lives in service, serves as motivation for greater contributions to the nation.
Governor Ahmadu Fintiri, represented by his Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Istifanus Babadoke, stated that the honorees deserve recognition for sacrificing their tranquility and sometimes their lives for Nigeria. He affirmed that Adamawa State is proud of these servicemen and women who have brought credit to the state.