Borno
State-Governor-Kashim-Shettima
Boko Haram
Borno
State-Governor-Kashim-Shettima
Boko Haram Ambush: Gov Shettima Mourns the Death of
Supporters
Governor Kashim Shettima mourns, with the deepest thoughts and
heartfelt condolences, the demise of some fellow citizens,
brothers, associates and loyal supporters following an unfortunate
ambush of some vehicles in his convoy by suspected insurgents on
Tuesday evening along the road to Gamboru, headquarters of Ngala
local government area.
While the Governor is expecting full security briefing to get
accurate information on the incident, preliminary report on
Wednesday, confirmed the killing of three persons during the
attack, which principally aimed to attract local and global media
attention in order to sustain propaganda strategy and to instil
fear in citizens and gallant troops.
Governor Shettima who returned at night yesterday, will today
(Thursday) meet families of those affected by the attack. The
Governor will also meet some security heads to review the incident
and more importantly, to continue his determined collaboration with
all security agencies and volunteers in remaining committed to the
ongoing fight against Boko Haram. The unfortunate incident will not
make the Governor have doubt in the capacity of the gallant and
patriotic personnel of the Nigerian armed forces who have dedicated
their lives fighting for peace and the freedom of Borno people.
The Governor has absolute confidence in the armed forces and
given his access to raw updates, he is aware of the successes being
recorded by the armed forces despite Tuesday’s and previous attacks
by the insurgents. For one success recorded by the insurgents, the
armed forces record dozens against them. The Governor remains
optimistic and urges citizens to be calm, prayerful and supportive
of the Nigerian armed forces and volunteers through means that
include (as they have been doing) the sharing of useful
information.
Tuesday’s incident happened while the Governor was on his way to
Gamboru in continuation of campaigns for the Presidential and
national assembly elections coming up on Saturday. The Governor had
left Maiduguri on Tuesday morning and stopped for campaigns in Mafa
and Dikwa local government areas before heading to Gamboru where he
passed the night and returned to Maiduguri on Wednesday.
He had on Monday traveled to Damasak, headquarters of Mobbar
local government area in northern Borno. Before then, he had
previously held campaigns in most parts of northern Borno including
Monguno where he spent the night. He had also been to all the nine
local government areas of southern Borno including Chibok, Gwoza,
Askira-Uba and Biu where he spent days.
The Governor extends his deepest gratitude to friends,
associates and other well meaning Nigerians that have shown concern
over the incident.
Isa Gusau
Special Adviser on communications and strategy
Government House, Maiduguri