Gov. Shettima Encourages Displaced Victims Of Terrorist Attacks
Governor Kashim Shettima of Borno state has sympathised with displaced victims of Damboa, Marte, Konduga, Biu, Bama and others who have been sacked from their communities by Boko Haram sect and could not celebrate the Eid- Eil Fitr in their homes but at different refugee camps.
Shettima also sympathized with thousands people of Maiduguri Metropolis and Jere who had to trek a long distance to their various Eid Ground following the ban on the use of vehicles, motorcycles, tricycles and bicycles throughout the three days of the Sallah festivity beginning from Sunday by security operatives.
The 7 Division, Nigerian Army through its Spokesman, Colonel Mohammed Dole issued a press statement stating that, "report at the disposal of the security agencies reveals that the terrorist have perfected plans to launch multiple bomb explosions in Maiduguri metropolis during the Sallah festivities.
"Their main targets include sallah praying grounds, markets and other public places by using vehicles such as Volkswagen Golf, Pick Up vans, Keke NAPEP, Motorcycles and Bicycles".
Shettima in his Sallah message to the people of the state soon after performing his prayers at the Ramat Square Maiduguri told Journalists at the Government House that his adminstration "will leave no stone unturned to end the madness of Boko Haram".
He said, "I was really pained when I saw thousands of Muslim and Christian faithfuls trekking tirelessly to Eid grounds and Churches, at a point, I felt I should alight from my vehicle and join them, but I was advised by my security aide not to do so.
"What pained me most was when i was on my way to the Eid ground, I saw many Churches closed on Sunday during morning service. It is really unfortunate, but we still have the hope and pray that Allah will in no distant time grant peace to our dear state and the country in general". Shettima stated.
On the displaced persons already taking refuge at different camps, he assured them that government will render all assistance to them so that they will feel at home, and prayed Allah to grant eternal rest for the souls of those who lost their lives by the insurgents attacks , even as he added that those who sustained injuries will be given free medical care by the state government.
He praised the efforts of the security agencies and the Civilian JTF in the fight against terrorism, and pledged his administration's readiness to support them towards restoration of peace in the state.
The governor enjoined all and sundry to continue to Pray for the restoration of peace and tranquility and urged them to comply with the security directives on the ban of vehicular movement in and around Maiduguri Metropolis, which he said, is a temporary measure that will not last long, but is aimed at ensuring the protection of lives and property.
Earlier, the Borno state Head of Service, Barrister Yakubu Bukar congratulated the governor for successful and peaceful conduct of the sallah celebration despite security challenges in the state.
He also expressed gratitude for Pilgrims who performed this year's lesser Hajj, (Umra) in Saudi Arabia by devoting much of their prayers for the restoration of peace to the state and wish them safe return back to the country.