Maiduguri Attack: We'll Fight To Defend Our Land, Says Shettima

SAN FRANCISCO, February 01, (THEWILL) – Worried by the renewed Boko Haram attack on Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, Governor Kashim Shettima Sunday declared that the Borno people and government will fight for their land, saying nobody can push the people out.

Shettima, who however warned that no one should take laws into their hands in the course of doing this, said: “Borno is our land, we cannot and we must not allow anyone push us out of our land.

“ I don't call on citizens to take laws into their hands because that is unlawful but I encourage us to be registered and trained volunteers who offer support to armed forces in defense of all the communities and people of Borno.”

Shettima's reaction to Sunday's Boko Haram attack on Maiduguri, was contained in a  statement by his spokesman, Mallam Isa Gusau .

 “I very much salute the gallantry of our Armed Forces, who from day one that Borno started having insurgency problems in 2009, stood by our dear state with very strong commitment against all odds.

“Their sacrifices to Borno will never be in vain and will never be forgotten. We are indebted to them and we shall celebrate them in many ways. I urge citizens to be calm and go about their routines peacefully and in obedience to the laws of the country and Borno State.

“Our armed forces and youth volunteers have proved their worthiness and selflessness. We will, as Government, continue to afford them all they need within the limits of resources at our disposal. Reclaiming captured territories and safeguarding others that are free as well as safeguarding lives and property constitute our fundamental priorities as Government,” the governor said.

According to him,  “We will continue not only continue to uphold these priorities but will continue to work tirelessly towards achieving them.”

He stated further: “At the risk of sounding repetitive, I want to reassure the good people of Borno State that we will never abdicate from our responsibility as those they entrusted with leadership.

“ I condole with citizens who may have lost loved ones over today's fresh attack and previous ones that were unfortunate; I commiserate with those injured and those who might have lost property. The situation in Borno is always in my mind, we will continue to work hard to change the situation for the better and to support all citizens that are affected.”