Northern States Governors Forum (NSGF) has condemned in strong terms, Saturday’s bomb attacks in Borno which resulted in the deaths of innocent citizens while several others were variously injured and receiving medical attention at various hospitals.
The condensation was expressed by the Chairman of the NSGF and Governor of Gombe State, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya while reacting to the unfortunate incident.
The Forum Chairman also expressed deep condolences to the families of the victims, government, and the people of Borno following the tragic suicide attacks in Gwoza Local Government Area
Inuwa Yahaya described the development as a heinous act, which resulted in the loss of innocent lives and left many injured.
The Krestnews reports that the death toll from Saturday’s coordinated suicide bomb attacks in Gwoza Local Council of Borno State has reportedly risen to 23.
Female suicide bombers, suspected to be members of the Boko Haram group, had detonated explosives at different locations, resulting in the deaths of military personnel and civilians.
The first bombing was recorded at a wedding ceremony in Mararaban Gwoza. The second took place at a security checkpoint, killing a soldier and two civilians. The third happened at a shopping mall, and the fourth at a burial ground.
Also two female suicide bombers were said to have been arrested yesterday in Borno State, in connection with the attacks. A local government official told newsmen that 30 female suicide bombers were sent into Gwoza to detonate Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) at different locations.
According to the source, only four suicide bombers detonated their devises. The source explained that one of the bombers that came from the Pulka Axis was responding to military interrogation at the checkpoint when she panicked and detonated the IED, killing herself, the soldier, and a civilian Joint Task Force member.
It was gathered that the women came into Gwoza from different locations, some from Pulka and others from the Mandara Mountains. Boko Haram has repeatedly used young women and girls for suicide attack operations.
The group took control of Gwoza in 2014 when its militants captured swathes of territories in northern Borno. It took the joint effort of the Nigerian military with help from Chadian forces in 2015 to take back the territory.
The NSGF Chairman described the attack as cowardly, he emphasized that such acts of terror have no place in a peaceful and progressive society.
“These cowardly attacks by bloodthirsty terrorists will never break the spirit of the peace-loving people of Northern Nigeria and our great nation,” he declared.
The Governor acknowledged the relentless efforts of President Bola Tinubu led Administration in combating terrorism and the pressure being mounted against these criminal elements.
He expressed his firm belief that with sustained efforts and cooperation among security agencies, the menace of terrorism would be effectively curtailed.
“We must ensure that our security apparatus is always a step ahead of these terrorists. Enhanced intelligence and proactive measures are vital in preventing such tragic incidents,” he stated.
The Governor also commended the Borno State Government for its swift response and measures taken to stabilize the situation and reassure the affected communities.
According to him, “Governor Babagana Zulum and his administration have shown exemplary leadership in the face of this tragedy. Their prompt actions have helped in calming the situation and providing immediate relief to the victims.”
Inuwa Yahaya called for collective resilience and unity among the people of Northern Nigeria, saying “We must stand together, undeterred by these acts of terror. Our unity and resolve will ultimately defeat the forces of darkness and ensure lasting peace and security in our region”.
The NSGF Chairman reassured the victims and their families of the support and solidarity of the Northern States Governors’ Forum, stating “Our hearts go out to the victims and their families.
He stressed, “The NSGF stands united in solidarity with you and remains committed to working collaboratively with all stakeholders to ensure peace and stability prevail across the region and the nation in general, “As contained in a statement by Ismaila Uba Misilli Director-General, (Press Affairs) Government House, Gombe.
Meanwhile, unconfirmed reports on Sunday have it that more of the wounded victims have died as a result of the bomb attack thereby raising the number to not fewer than Thirty.
It was reliably gathered that the death toll rose due to discovery of more dead victims on Sunday as well as death of those receiving medical attention at the hospitals in Maiduguri.
The Director General of SEMA, Barkindo Saidu, said he witnessed the first blast.“In my presence, at about 3:00 p.m., the first bomb blast occurred, detonated by a female suicide bomber in the midst of the marriage ceremony,” he wrote in a situation report
Sa’idu, wrote, “In my presence, at about exactly 3 pm, the 1st bomb blast in Gwoza occurred, detonated by a female suicide bomber in the midst of the marriage ceremony celebration. It affected more than 30 persons with various levels of injuries and instant deaths.”
He added, “Some minutes later, another blast occurred around General Hospital. Again, at the funeral services (janaiza), another lady rushed onto the congregation and detonated another one with one lot of casualties.”
Barkindo Sa’idu added, “We were in the hospital coordinating the rescue mission, and another one exploded from a female teenager.”
