Shettima: No Evidence Yet On 'Abducted' Borno Women

BEVERLY HILLS, CA, June 24, (THEWILL) - Following reports of a fresh abduction of between 60 and 91 women and children by Boko Haram from some parts of Borno State, Governor Kashim Shettima , Tuesday, said there was no evidence yet of the reported abduction of the Borno women .

An e-mail to THEWILL by Gov. Shettima's spokesman, Mallam Isa Gusau, said: “He has read with serious concerns, media reports about yet another abduction in part of Damboa Local Government Area of Borno State.

“The Governor has since directed the chairman of the affected local government area and other government officials from the affected areas to make very urgent but accurate enquiries from communities and report to him as soon as they can, even as security agencies take appropriate actions.

“The Governor views the reported abduction with all the seriousness it deserves, he is also worried that weighty developments such as information concerning the abduction of 60 persons requires careful enquiry in order to obtain information that is comprehensive and beyond any reasonable doubt.

“The Governor is worried that only recently, leaders of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association refuted media reports that some 30 Fulani women were kidnapped at a community in Chibok. The Association relied on what it called comprehensive investigation that involved making enquiries from all of its members not only in the area the kidnap was said to have taken place but also in the entire Borno State.

“The Governor very much appreciates the urge of the media to inform the public about happenings not only in Borno State but everywhere in the world given the fact that the public has a right to know and they ought to be informed. However, he feels ‎the Nigerian is very competent enough to deploy means by which comprehensive and accurate information can be gotten.

“The Governor appreciates that both the media and Government at all levels, are working in unusual ways given the nature of the unfortunate insurgency attacks that have remained persistent in some parts of Borno State. He knows and understands the difficulty but at the same time, he calls for patience at all times so that collectively, the media and government can in giving out information, be sure of exactly what happened, how it happened, when and who is or are involved.

“Governor Shettima stands by those who have been affected and shares their pains and those of their families even as we await the outcome of enquiries going on, hoping, the outcome will be as soon as possible, without compromising accuracy of information. Governor Shettima once again expresses profound appreciation to the Nigerian and International media for their very critical support which has no doubt been very helpful in the circumstance.

“The Governor is hopeful that the schoolgirls abducted in Chibok will by the intervention of God, be rescued and so will those recently affected, if ongoing enquiries confirm reports about the unfortunate incident.”

The governor also assured the Borno residents, other Nigerians and the international community that his

“administration is working very hard, doing all it can and should do, collaborating actively with relevant bodies both the military and community members, to find a lasting solution to the crisis that has been a big thorn in the Governor's flesh.”

According to the statement, “part of the measures being taken are yielding fruitful results that aim at enhancing security of lives and property in the State. It added that 'Peace has been relatively achieved in major towns and peace will by God's grace, be achieved, in the entire State within the shortest possible time.”

The statement said the governor is deeply appreciative of the patriotic efforts of citizens who have been helping with useful information to counter the unfortunate situation in the State and called on all good citizens to remain resolute in that regard.

“Our peace and security, we should always remember, begins with what we tell appropriate institutions that are lawfully established to protect us.,” the governor was quoted as saying.