Monday, January 26, 2015

Maiduguri Attack: Shettima Commends Military, Calls For Calm


Borno State Governor Kashim Shettima (Photo: channelstv.com)

Borno State Governor Kashim Shettima has condemned the coordinated attacks by Boko Haram on Maiduguri and Monguno towns while praising the gallantry of the Nigerian soldiers, for saving the state capital from the insurgents' assaults.


GRAPHITTI NEWS based on The Nation report learned the Governor who spoke to journalists in Maiduguri on Sunday after the attack called on the people of Borno and Maiduguri to remain, while pledging to redouble his efforts and commitment to supporting the security agents in the fight against Boko Haram insurgents.

Shettima expressed his pain over the attack on Monguno, and the military formation in the area, stressing that the attack must have resulted in the loss of lives and caused several pains on the people in addition to destruction of property.

He said; “Our armed forces gallantly repelled attacks on parts of Borno State today. We must commend their patriotic efforts. We are very much in touch with leaders of security forces and we will continue to afford them all the support they need as we have always done from our first day in office till date.

“So long as we have the resources, we will continue to regard the efforts to reclaim peace, our number one area of commitments. 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 was supposed to be in Abuja this morning for an important engagement but I have canceled all engagements outside Borno State. We will remain behind with our people through thick and thin as we have been doing as a matter of constitutional and moral covenant.

“I condole with families, friends and associates of any innocent citizen that might have lost loved ones as a result of the unfortunate incident in parts of the State. I commiserate with those that might have suffered injuries and lost property.

“I assure the people of Borno State that we are very committed to our duty as their leaders. We have never forgotten about the situation of things in Borno, not for one second.

“My heart bleeds whenever I remember the deaths, the injuries, the lost communities and the displaced persons of Borno. I know the burden of leadership on my shoulders as Governor of the State and I know my responsibilities within the limits of my constitutional powers, influences and resources. I have been deploying all, within my limits as Governor and I will continue to do, including making continued efforts to get more influences that are beyond me.

“I urge the good people of Borno State to remain optimistic and vigilant. We should open our eyes wide to take note of any strange person and movement in our midst which we should promptly report to authorities without causing panic. Parents and guardians should kindly watch over their children to monitor where they go and who they move around with or bring home. School authorities should take proper control of pupils. Residents should cooperate with armed forces and always regard them as partners that put their lives on the line so we all can be alive,” Gov. Shettima said.

No comments: