Boko Haram: We'll Overcome The Challenge, Says Shettima

Source: thewillnigeria.com

SAN FRANCISCO, February 21, (THEWILL) - Governor Kashim Shettima of Borno State said on Sunday that the Borno people would surely overcome the challenge posed by Boko Haram in the state.

The governor said in spite of the destruction of his state by Boko Haram insurgents, no one should underrate the spirit of the Borno people who, accordng to him,  will overcome all the challenges.

Maintaining that  Borno has a rich history of resilience and survival, the governor said this is a facet in its history that it is destined to overcome.

"We have a thousand year of history, ignoramus can write us off but I can assure you that we will bounce back and bounce back big, " Shettima said during a visit to Bama where about 100 persons were killed by Boko Haram insurgents last week.

The governor said he was seriously shocked by the high level of destructions and loss of human lives caused by the insurgents, urging the residents to consider the incident as an act of God and stay in the area.

''I commend the people for not deserting the town as done by victims of the insurgency attacks in other areas.

We are not going to desert our state due to the insurgency rather we should all join forces to see how best we can end this violence,'' he declared.

The governor announced a cash donation of N250, 000 for each household that lost an individual in the latest attack on Bama.

He also promised to rebuild and rehabilitate all public structures and houses destroyed by Boko Haram.

Aside this, the sum of N200,000 million was approved  for the purchase of relief materials for the victims just as he also directed that the sum of additional N100 million be released to the people.

The governor also donated N3 million and three TATA patrol vehicles for the three vigilante groups complementing the security forces in the fight against insurgents in the local government council.

He reiterated the state  government's  determination to protect  lives and property of the citizens as he added  that his administration would everything to mitigate the major factors contributing to Boko Haram.

''We have to address poverty, illiteracy and hunger which are the underlining factors behind  the insurgency.

We would not be deterred by the wanton and senseless killings of innocent lives and destruction of properties,'' the governor said.