Borno bomb attacks: Tinubu says purveyors will pay; Deaths toll 18; Northern Govs condemn acts

By Salif Atojoko, Abuja/Yakubu Uba, Maiduguri/Hajara Leman, Gombe,

June 30, 2024

President Bola Tinubu has condemned the bomb attacks which resulted in loss of lives and maiming of citizens in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno.

Tinubu, in a statement by Chief Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President, Media and Publicity, on Sunday, declared that the purveyors of wanton violence would have a certain encounter with justice.

He said the cowardly attacks were only but an isolated episode, as his government would not allow the nation to slither into an era of fear, tears, sorrow, and blood.

The President described the attacks as desperate acts of terror and a clear manifestation of the pressure mounted against terrorists, and the success achieved in degrading their capacity to launch offensives.

He stated that his administration was taking necessary measures to secure citizens.

Tinubu emphasised that efforts would be redoubled to ensure that those who troubled the nation, dispatching precious lives and disrupting law and order, were completely removed.

He also condoled with the victims of the attacks, the families of the deceased, as well as the government and people of Borno State.

Meanwhile, Dr Barkindo Saidu, the Director-General of Borno State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), confirmed that there were more blasts in Gwoza and that the number of people killed had risen to 18.

Saidu said in a situation report obtained by the News Agency  of Nigeria (NAN) that the death comprised adult males, females and children.

He added that the first blast by a suicide bomber took place at a wedding ceremony, while the second blast occurred at the funeral service of victims when another female suicide bomber rushed into the congregation.

He stated that “19 people seriously injured were conveyed to Maiduguri in four  ambulances, while 23 others are waiting for military escort in the Medical Regimental Services (MRS) Clinic.

“I am now coordinating for a chopper tonight. I have mobilised emergency drugs to complement the shortage of drugs in Gwoza.

“The degree of injuries range from abdominal ruptures, skull and limb fractures.

“I have also received a report that there is a suspected suicide bomber in Pulka,” Saidu said.

Pulka is a village not too far from Gwoza town.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the coordinated attacks, which took many by surprise, was shocking to the people of Borno who experienced such at the height of the insurgency.

Reacting to the development, Gov. Inuwa Yahaya, Chairman, Northern States Governors’ Forum (NSGF), expressed deep condolences to the victims, government and people of Borno and strongly condemned the heinous acts, which have resulted in the loss of innocent lives and left many injured.

In a statement signed by Alhaji Ismaila Misili,  Director-General,  Press Affairs, Government House, Gombe  on Sunday, Yahaya, who is also the Governor of Gombe, described the attacks as cowardly, and emphasised that such acts of terror have 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 said.

The governor acknowledged the relentless efforts of President Bola Tinubu’s administration in combating terrorism and the pressure being mounted against the criminal elements.

He expressed a firm belief that with sustained efforts and cooperation among security agencies, the menace of terrorism would be effectively curtailed.

“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,” he urged.

Yahaya also commended the Borno Government for its swift response and measures taken to stabilise the situation and reassure the affected communities.

“Gov.  Babagana Zulum and his administration have shown exemplary leadership in the face of this tragedy.

“Their prompt actions have helped in calming the situation and providing immediate relief to the victims,” he said.

Yahaya further called for collective resilience and unity among the people of Northern Nigeria, saying: “We must stand together, undeterred by these acts of terror.

“Our unity and resolve will ultimately defeat the forces of darkness and ensure lasting peace and security in our region.”

The NSGF chairman reassured the victims and their families of support and solidarity of the Northern States’ Governors.

“Our hearts go out to the victims and their families.

“The NSGF stands united in solidarity with you and remains committed to working collaboratively with all stakeholders to ensure peace and stability prevail across the region and  nation in general,” he said.