Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum has visited the 21 persons injured in a landmine explosion that claimed 8 lives along Maiduguri – Damboa road in Borno State.
The governor, who was at the Specialist Hospital in Maiduguri, shortly after the victims were brought, sympathized with them and members of their families.
He also directed the hospital officials to give them the best of treatment at the expense of the state government.
Of the 21 victims, 14 were severely injured, while 7 had minor injuries.
“It is regrettable that it is happening at this time. Since last year or so, we have not witnessed an improvised explosive device [IED] attack. The road was closed for about one month, and I believe this is one of the reasons the insurgents had the luxury of planting an IED”, Zulum said.
The Governor reiterated his administration’s commitment to supporting the security agencies and urged the military to beef up surveillance along the highway to prevent future occurrences.
“I urge the Nigerian military and other security agencies to beef up surveillance along the road so that such incidents do not happen again,” Zulum stated.
Security wouldn’t deteriorates under my watch
The governor also appealed to people in the state to partner with the security operatives in the fight against insurgency, assuring that he would not allow any setback in the gains achieved so far.
“The government of Borno State will continue to partner with the Nigerian military and with the federal government to curtail the menace of insurgency.
“I want to assure the people of Borno State that, Insha Allah, under my watch, we wouldn’t allow the security situation to deteriorate,”
“Our administration will provide more support to the security agencies and we will strengthen the resilience of our youth volunteers fighting alongside the military,” he said.
Meanwhile, Zulum has expressed confidence with the outcome of the meeting held with military chiefs in Abuja,on Thursday.
The Governor, responding to questions from newsmen in Maiduguri, on Saturday, said, “Our discussion during the security council was not bad; we just raised an alarm that Boko Haram activities are resurging in Borno State, and the state government, the military, and other stakeholders need to work together to avert the looming situation.
“But most importantly, we have been to Abuja, met with the service chiefs and received assurances from them that they will do everything possible to control the situation. We are very happy with their response.”