A former governor of Kano State, Rabiu Kwankwaso, has lamented the multiple suicide bombings in Maiduguri, Borno State, reportedly leasomg to the death of about 23 people, with over 100 others injured.
Kwankwaso, in a statement on Tuesday, described the attacks as horrific and a setback to the peace recorded in the state in recent years.
“I am deeply saddened by the horrific multiple suicide bombings in Maiduguri, Borno State, which claimed the lives of 23 innocent people and injured over 100 others, as confirmed by the Nigeria Police Force”, the statement partly read.
He warned that the recent attacks signalled a disturbing resurgence of terrorism in the North-East.
“These latest attacks, following other recent incidents in Borno, signal a disturbing resurgence of senseless terrorism that threatens the peace our communities have struggled so hard to rebuild after years of relative calm. This cannot be tolerated,” Kwankwaso’s statement added.
The former governor called on the Federal and State governments to take urgent steps to address the security situation and support security agencies in tackling the threat.
“Now is not the time for defensiveness or complacency. Our gallant armed forces must be fully empowered to take decisive, proactive action against these enemies of Nigeria.
“The Federal and State governments must leave no stone unturned in providing all necessary resources and support to enable our troops to decisively defeat these terrorist networks.
“My heart goes out to the bereaved families, the injured, and all the people of Borno State. I extend my deepest condolences to the government and citizens of Borno during this difficult time,” he said.
The Nigerian army in a statement by Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI on Monday informed of suicide bomb explosions on Monday
He said “the explosions were carried out by suspected Boko Haram terrorist suicide bombers who detonated improvised explosive devices at three different locations within the city, namely the Post Office area, Monday Market axis and the entrance to the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH) during the period of Iftar (breaking of fast)”.
He stated that the “cowardly attacks targeted crowded public areas in an attempt by the terrorists to inflict mass casualties and create panic within the metropolis”.
