…As Speaker, Northern Govs condemn killing of worshippers
FROM HASSAN JIRGI, Maiduguri, Rabilu Abubakar Gombe and Paul Effiong, Abuja
Vice President Kashim Shettima has condemned in strong terms the suicide bomb explosion that claimed five lives and injured over 39 persons at a Mosque in Gamboru Market, Maiduguri, Borno State, saying the despicable assault on innocent citizens and the peace of the nation will not break the federal government’s determination to end terrorism in Nigeria.
Shettima also said that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered an immediate intensification of security operations in Borno State following the incident.
A statement signed by Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Communications
,Office of The Vice President, Stanley Kingsley Nkwocha, made available to AljazirahNigeria in Maiduguri, yesterday, the Vice President condemned the attack, assuring that the Federal Government is deploying additional tactical teams to the area to track down and apprehend those responsible for the terror attack.
According to him the Federal Government will not tolerate any attempt to undermine the peace and security of our nation. Our security agencies are working round the clock to ensure that the perpetrators of this heinous crime are brought to justice immediately”, he said.
Shettima expressed confidence that the security architecture currently in place would not only apprehend the perpetrators but also unravel the full circumstances surrounding the incident.
“We sympathise with the Government of Borno State, residents, and families who have lost their loved ones in this attack.
According to him the Federal Government is confident that those responsible for this despicable act of terrorism will face the full weight of the law.
He assured Nigerians that the Tinubu administration’s commitment to national security, anchored in constitutional duty, remains unwavering.
“Since President Bola Ahmed Tinubu assumed office in 2023, this administration has consistently reaffirmed its unyielding commitment to safeguarding the security, unity, and stability of our nation.
“This commitment remains steadfast under God and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. We will continue to provide our security agencies with all necessary resources and support to decisively defeat terrorism in all its forms”, he affirmed.
The Vice-President added that the Federal Government is working closely with state authorities and local security agencies to ensure protection of vulnerable communities and critical infrastructure across the North-east and other regions.
Speaker, House of Representatives, Honourable Abbas Tajudeen, has strongly condemned the bomb blast that rocked a mosque in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, claiming several lives and injuring many others.
In a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Musa Abdullahi Krishi which was made available to Journalists in Abuja, the Speaker said the attack was unacceptable at this time and that the security forces were trying their best to address the country’s security challenges.
He further described the incident as the most barbaric attack on innocent worshippers, who were peacefully observing their religious obligations, saying, “It represents the height of wickedness and a direct assault on the soul of our nation”.
“We extend our deepest condolences to the families of the victims, the government, the people of Borno State, and all Nigerians”, he said.
He added that the perpetrators of this heinous act would never succeed “in their bid to divide us or derail our march towards a secure and prosperous Nigeria”
He also informed that the APC administration under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is working hard to safeguard the lives of Nigerians and all who live peacefully within the country.
According to him:”Under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the current administration has demonstrated unwavering commitment to curbing insecurity through multifaceted strategies, including enhanced military funding, intelligence-driven operations, and community-based security initiatives.
He said the 10th House remains committed and determined in its support for President Tinubu in achieving total peace and security across the country
Similarly, Northern States Governors’ Forum has condemned the suicide attack at the Gomboru Market Mosque in Maiduguri.
Chairman of the Forum and Gombe State Governor, Inuwa Yahaya who commendation the bombing on behalf of his colleagues, sympathised with victims of the attack.
Yahaya in a statement on yesterday in Gombe by his media aide, Mr Ismaila Uba-Misilli, described the attack as a barbaric, dastardly and cowardly act aimed at instilling fear and undermining peace.
He expressed sorrow over the incident, extending condolences to the Government and people of Borno.
He described the targeting of a place of worship as a grave violation of human conscience and religious sanctity, stressing that such acts only reinforce the resolve of the region to stand united against terrorism and violent extremism.
Yahaya called for enhanced security measures, particularly around places of worship and public spaces, especially during festive periods when large gatherings are common.
He assured the people of Borno of the solidarity and full support of the Northern Governors as security agencies intensify efforts to prevent further attacks.
“We pray that Almighty Allah grants eternal rest in Aljannatul Firdaus to the souls of those who lost their lives, comforts their families, and grants speedy recovery to the injured”.
He also prayed for continued strength and wisdom for the leadership of Borno under Gov. Babagana Zulum as it confronts security challenges with courage and resilience.
He reiterated the collective determination of Northern States to work together in support of peace, security, and the protection of innocent lives, stressing that acts of terror would not break the spirit or unity of the region.
The Wednesday evening attack during Maghrib prayers, claimed the lives of five worshippers and left at least 35 others injured when
a suspected suicide bomber infiltrated the mosque at the height of the prayers, turning a sacred moment of devotion into a scene of grief and anguish.
