Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, has deplored a statement by the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) alleging harassment of Muslim women for wearing hijab in some hospitals in Maiduguri.
 
He noted that while the government is not aware of any official report or complaint regarding such an incident, his administration had taken the allegation with utmost seriousness.
 
In a directive issued yesterday through his spokesperson, Dauda Iliya, the governor ordered the Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Prof. Baba Mallam Gana, to undertake an immediate and thorough investigation to ascertain the veracity of these claims.
 
The statement noted that Zulum reiterated his administration’s commitment to protecting all citizens’ religious rights and dignity, particularly that of women.

He stated that Borno State, being a predominantly Muslim society, holds hijab in high esteem and any form of harassment against those who choose to wear it, is unacceptable and would not be tolerated.

“The welfare and rights of our citizens, especially our mothers, wives, and daughters, are paramount. We have a zero-tolerance policy for any form of discrimination or harassment”.

While we have no prior record of such complaints, we are not taking these allegations lightly. This investigation will be conducted swiftly and transparently. If any wrongdoing is found, appropriate disciplinary action will be taken immediately,” Zulum promised.

The statement added that the governor urged the public, and specifically individuals who have experienced such treatment, to come forward and assist in the investigation with credible information to ensure a fair and just outcome. 

“I assure the public that the Borno State government under my leadership will not tolerate any action that unjustly targets or humiliates any segment of our society,” he concludes.
 
Also, Zulum has inaugurated a newly built 72-unit housing estate for primary and secondary school teachers in Mafa, his home local council. The housing project, strategically located along the Maiduguri–Dikwa highway, consists of two- and three-bedroom apartments.

Zulum, while commissioning the estate on Wednesday, said the initiative is part of the state government’s broader plan to improve teachers’ welfare and strengthen the education system across Borno’s 27 local government areas.