Shettima Suspends Campaign, Returns To Maiduguri Over Explosions

Source: thewillnigeria.com

BEVERLY HILLS, March 07, (THEWILL) – Borno State governor, Alhaji Kashim Shettima, has been forced to return to Maiduguri, cutting short his re-election campaign in some parts of the state, following Saturday's multiple explosions in the state capital.

Shettima was in Marama in Hawul local government area in the southern part of the state to launch the Food for All Initiative programme in the area as part of his campaign when the news of the explosions got to him.

He quickly organised an inter-denominational prayer session for peace in the state, the repose of the souls of those who died in the attacks and quick recovery for the injured before returning to Maiduguri around 3pm.

Meanwhile, the Chairman of the State State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Alhaji Grema Terab, has confirmed the incident, saying “it was unfortunate this incidents in Maiduguri today (Saturday).”

According to him, “I was in Marama with the governor to launch the Food for All Initiative, where we were targeting to feed 1,000 in Hawul local government but heard the sad event in Maiduguri. Our men are at present on rescue operation and for the evacuation of the dead.

“I am yet to be informed of the number of casualties at the three spots but it is sadly massive.

“The mood is sad here and the governor had to cut short his campaign, he asked for prayers from both Christian and Muslim clerics at about 3pm when the news filtered here.”