Borno employs 100 graduates to tackle political thuggery

Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, has approved the employment of 100 unemployed graduates from Biu Local Government Area as part of efforts to curb youth restiveness, political thuggery and other social vices in the state.

Zulum announced the approval on Tuesday during a courtesy visit to the Emir of Biu, Alhaji Mustapha Mustapha II.

The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Wednesday by the governor’s spokesperson, Dauda Iliya.

The governor was in Southern Borno to flag off the 2026 wet farming season, commence the sale of fertiliser at government-approved subsidised rates for smallholder and returnee farmers, and launch other empowerment programmes.

Zulum said incidents of thuggery had reduced significantly since the beginning of his administration but maintained that creating employment opportunities remained the most sustainable solution.

He said each local government area in the state would have 50 graduates employed, while Maiduguri Metropolitan Council, Jere, Bama, Askira/Uba and Gwoza would each have 100 beneficiaries.

“We are here for the flag-off of the wet farming season and the sales of fertiliser at subsidised rates.

“I am grateful to the people of Biu for the overwhelming support and the warm reception they have always accorded us,” the governor said.

Zulum said empowering unemployed youths was essential to preventing them from being recruited into criminal and political activities.

He said: “We will be doing a great disservice to our youth if we allow them to continue to engage in thuggery without empowering them.

“You hardly find the children of prominent politicians, governors, senators, commissioners or even councillors involved in political thuggery.”

The governor also warned against the vandalisation of public infrastructure, particularly electricity facilities, saying anyone found culpable would face the full weight of the law.

He urged the Emir of Biu and other community leaders to support the government’s efforts to tackle drug abuse, gangsterism and other social vices.

“Your Royal Highness, we must address the rising cases of drug abuse, gangsterism and other social vices if we are to bequeath a better society to the next generation.

“We will continue to invest in our youth. I want Biu Local Government to identify 100 unemployed graduates, preferably those who studied health-related courses, English, Mathematics and Physics, especially among those involved in political thuggery, and we are ready to offer them employment opportunities,” Zulum said.

The governor also disclosed that the running mate to the APC governorship candidate, Engr. Mustapha Gubio, would be unveiled next week, noting that 27 aspirants had indicated interest in the position.

He called on residents of the state to continue praying for the emergence of the most suitable candidate.