Chairman of the Northern States Governors’ Forum (NSGF), Governor Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State, has expressed condolences to the victims, government and people of Borno State following the tragic suicide attacks in Gwoza Local Government Area.
According to a press release by Director-General, Press Affairs, Government House, Ismaila Misilli, Yahaya condemned the heinous act, describing it as cowardly.
The governor emphasised that such acts of terror had no place in a peaceful and progressive society.
“These cowardly attacks by bloodthirsty terrorists will never break the spirit of the peace-loving people of Northern Nigeria and our great nation,” he declared.
The governor acknowledged the relentless efforts of the Tinubu administration to combate terrorism and the pressure being mounted against the criminal elements.
“We must ensure that our security apparatus is always a step ahead of these terrorists. Enhanced intelligence and proactive measures are vital in preventing such tragic incidents,” Yahaya stated.
Atiku: It’s Sad Suicide Bombing Resurfacing
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar condemned the Borno attack, saying, “It is a sad development that the ugly incidents of terrorism are resurfacing and, indeed, metastasising in the North-east.”
Atiku called on the federal government to ensure that the North-east did not slide back into terrorism.
He stated, “The reported attack by suicide bombers at a wedding reception, funeral procession, and a hospital on Saturday stands condemned.
“It is unfortunate that much of the pushback that had been achieved against the Boko Haram terror sect are being cancelled, owing mainly to the government’s lacklustre posture to hold firmly on the frontline.
“It is, thus, important to call on the federal authorities to wake up to their responsibility and to make sure that the North-east does not slide back into a theatre of terrorism and extreme violence.
“My condolences go to the families of victims of these attacks, and it is my prayer that God grants a peaceful repose to the souls of the departed.”
Borno SEMA DG Explains How Female Bombers Killed Pregnant Women, Children
Director-General of Borno State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Dr. Barkindo Saibu, offered a detailed account of how teenage female suicide bombers detonated the explosives that killed 18 people on Saturday in Gwoza.
Saibu, who spoke when he visited the Senate Chief Whip, according to a statement by Ndume’s media office, decried the situation.
Saibu said, “In the first blast, a female suicide bomber detonated it at a marriage ceremony, injuring over 30 and causing instant deaths. In the second blast, it was almost like the first. It occurred near the General Hospital.
“The third blast happened at a funeral service (Janaiza). Another female suicide bomber detonated it, causing more casualties. In the fourth blast, a female teenager detonated a bomb at the hospital, injuring more people.
“In all, there were 18 deaths (children, adult males, females, and pregnant women), 19 seriously injured and transported to Maiduguri in four ambulances, 23 are waiting for military escort in Medical Regimental Services (MRS) Clinic.”
Saibu added, “Regarding the injuries, there were abdominal raptures, skull fractures, limb fractures, among others. There were coordinated rescue missions. We mobilised emergency drugs to complement shortages in Gwoza. We arranged for a chopper transport.”
Ndume, on his part, called on the military to double its efforts. He appreciated their efforts, but expressed worry at last weekend’s attacks.
He said there was an urgent need to raise the bar and provide more surveillance and security in the state to guard future occurrences.
The deputy governor, Umar Kadafur, who led stakeholders to the scene of the attacks, distributed N5 million to the victims and promised to visit Gwoza on Monday with the stakeholders to sympathise with the community.
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