Borno State Governor Babagana Umara Zulum has provided emergency relief to over 18,000 households in Dikwa, central Borno, following a pest invasion that wiped out large portions of local farmlands.

The intervention comes after an outbreak of quelea birds and other pests destroyed farmlands in the town, where more than 90 per cent of residents depend on agriculture for their livelihoods. 

The attack compounded last year’s drought, raising fears of a looming food crisis in the community.

On Monday, Governor Zulum supervised the distribution exercise at the premises of the Shehu of Dikwa’s palace. 

Each male head of the 18,000 households received two bags of rice and sorghum, while 35,000 women were given N10,000 cash, a wrapper, and food supplies. In total, over N350 million was disbursed to support vulnerable groups.

Zulum explained that the aid was necessary to cushion the impact of lost harvests. 

“We came to Dikwa to support them because of the drought that affected them last year”. 

“The invasion of pests and quelea birds affected their farmlands, leading to farmers losing a significant portion of their farm outputs,” he said.

He added that while humanitarian support had been reduced by 90 per cent due to improved security and resumed farming, the latest crisis required urgent intervention. 

The governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening agriculture through improved pest control and support systems to reduce future losses.

The quelea bird infestation highlights a recurring threat to food security in Borno and other parts of Nigeria’s north. 

Experts describe the birds as “feathered locusts” for their ability to destroy hectares of grain fields in hours. 

Zulum’s response underscores the link between pest management and stable agricultural production in conflict-prone regions where communities are only beginning to rebuild their livelihoods.

The governor was accompanied by Engr. Bukar Talba, chairman of the Borno State High-Powered Committee on Palliatives, Dikwa’s State Assembly representative Zakariya Mohammed, and Commissioner for Local Government and Emirates Affairs, Sugun Mai Mele, among other officials.

Source: Daily News 24

Image Credit: Independent News