Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, has raised alarm over the situation in the Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps in the state, particularly regarding the growing trend of individuals marrying multiple wives despite their inability to adequately provide for their families. In a viral video shared on TikTok by Kawu Garba, Zulum expressed his dismay at the lack of action by politicians, both at the state and national levels, who are reluctant to address the issue for fear of losing votes during elections.
The Governor questioned why Islamic leaders and elected officials have remained silent on the matter. “The question is, which Islamic teacher has spoken out against this? Which member has raised concerns about this situation?” he asked. He further criticized politicians, saying, “All they (politicians) say is, ‘Ha, I will not talk.’ Rather, they are more focused on contesting and winning elections. They refuse to speak out because they fear it might cost them votes from the IDPs.”
Zulum shared the example of an individual who had arrived at the IDP camp around 2011 or 2012 with only one wife but now has four, highlighting the added economic burden this situation places on the state. The Governor stressed that such actions exacerbate the challenges faced by the IDP camps and the state’s resources.
The Governor’s remarks have sparked mixed reactions among TikTok users. Some supported his stance, with one user, Ken Musa Ehi, urging that there be more education on the matter. Others praised Zulum for his boldness, with Truth Matters commenting, “Finally, we have a true leader in Prof Zulum who is not afraid to tell the truth regardless of political costs.” However, some questioned the state’s handling of the situation, with B-B asking, “And you allowed him to remain in the camp?” Meanwhile, Whale V expressed hope that more people would speak out, saying, “If everyone in that region can speak up like him, the people would begin to realize they are on the wrong path.”
A user named Capt Imran suggested that those who have the means to support multiple wives should do so without burdening society, stating, “If you have the capacity, go ahead without adding unnecessary expenses and responsibilities to your society. No issues—marry as you want, but this Almajiri stuff… I’m a northerner, to be honest, I don’t like it. If I have the power, I will fight to stop it.”
