Tag: Borno

  • JUST IN: Soldier shoots self dead after killing four colleagues in Borno

    A Corporal of Nigerian Army serving at the Theatre Command Operation LAFIYA DOLE, Army Super Camp 15, located at Malam Fatori, Borno State, has opened fire on colleagues killing four and injuring two others before killing himself.

    The Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Col. Sagir Musa, in a statement, said the sad incident took place on Wednesday morning.

    Musa said that the wounded personnel in the incident were currently in stable condition at the Nigerian Army hospital in Maiduguri.

    According to him, efforts are ongoing to contact the families of the gallant colleagues who paid the supreme price in the line of duty.

    “May their gentle souls Rest In Peace.

    “Meanwhile, investigation into the case has since been instituted to determine the circumstances that led to the unfortunate incident,” he said.

  • Plot against military chiefs : PDP group alleges Borno Governor, successor promoting insurgency

    Plot against military chiefs : PDP group alleges Borno Governor, successor promoting insurgency

    The PDP Conservative Vanguard has accused the governor of Borno State, Babagana Zulum, and his immediate predecessor Kashim Shetimma as being the brain behind the resurgence of the Boko Haram crisis in the state. This was contained in a press statement signed by John Bolu, the Secretary-General of the PDP Youth Vanguard, and made available to the press in Lagos.

    The group accused the government of Borno State as being the brain behind the resurgence of the activities of the Boko Haram group and advised the All Progressive Congress (APC) to look inwards to know the identity and sponsors of the Boko Haram group in Borno state.

    “It must be stated in unequivocal terms that the All Progressive Congress must desist from playing to the gallery in this critical point of our existence as a country in the light of the nefarious activities of the Boko Haram terrorist group that has brought tears and sorrow to the people of Borno State and the North East in general.”

    “It must be noted that the PDP as an organization would not condescend so low as to sponsor the activities of the Boko Haram group in a state controlled by the APC and an APC governor as its Chief Security Officer.”

    The statement further added that the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media must desist from playing to the gallery in telling Nigerians those behind the nefarious activities of the Boko Haram terrorist group in the state.

    “The allegation is quite unfortunate and an indication that the SSA on Media to the President is indeed economical with the truth in revealing those indeed behind the activities of the Boko Haram terrorist group in Borno State.”

    “It must be stated in unequivocal terms that the All Progressive Congress must desist from playing to the gallery in this critical point of our existence as a country in the light of the nefarious activities of the Boko Haram terrorist group that has brought tears and sorrow to the people of Borno State and the North East in general.”

    “The PDP conservative forum wishes to state that the security challenges experienced in Borno state is indeed local, and questions must be asked as to the sincerity of heart and purpose of the political leadership in Borno State. The accusations pointed in the direction of the opposition PDP is at most uncharitable and a plot to call a dog a bad name to hang it.”

    The PDP Youth Vanguard further alleged that the Governor of Borno State, Babagana Zulum, and the immediate past governor of the state, Kashim Shetimma are behind the resurgence of the activities of the Boko Haram group in the state.

    “It is, therefore, our considered opinion that the actual situation of things should not be twisted when it is indeed public knowledge that the Governor of Borno State, Babagana Zulum and his political godfather Kashim Shetimma are the ones who are paying members of the National Assembly and other Civil Society organizations in the country to demonize their party.”

    “The APC must come to terms with the starkness of reality to know that the beneficiaries of the Boko Haram war are indeed the political leadership in Borno State that has been hiding under the guise of insurgency to improvise the people.”

    The group alleged that the political leadership of Borno State has been holding nocturnal meetings with the leadership of the Boko Haram group as a means of giving it tactic support in furtherance of their nefarious activities.

    “It is also instructive to note that the APC in Borno State is populated by Boko Haram members from the government to the last member of the party because, as they say, politics is indeed local.”

    “It is therefore expected that the rational thing to do in this circumstance is to probe those behind Boko Haram and stop making unnecessary noise in the media when its own Governor could organize a protest against President Muhammadu Buhari when he visited Borno State recently to commiserate with the people over the attack in Auno community.”

    The PDP Youth Vanguard advised the APC led federal government to look within its ranks to identify the real sponsors of the Boko Haram group in sincerity and fairness to all concerned.

    “The APC led federal government must look inwards to know that the sponsors of the activities of the Boko Haram group are those in high places in the state and those that had squandered the commonwealth of the people since 2009 when the Boko Haram group began its violent campaign against Nigeria.”

    It further added that “the APC must do good to rid its house of those that have been grandstanding on the pages of the newspapers and yet hold nocturnal meetings with the leadership of the Boko Haram terrorist group in a bid to cover for their nefarious activities.”

    “It is advised that the APC must desist from playing to the gallery and tell President Muhammadu Buhari that some members of the APC in Borno State are those behind the resurgence of the activities of the Boko Haram group.”

    “The PDP should be consequently spared from the insincerity of members of the APC that loathes the efforts of President Muhammadu Buhari in addressing the activities of the Boko Haram terrorist group in North-East Nigeria.”

    “While it must be noted that there is a possibility that the enemies within the APC in high places are the beneficiaries of the activities of the Boko Haram terrorist group in North-East Nigeria.”

    It would be recalled that that Garba Shehu, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media, had alleged that some members of the PDP are sponsoring over 2000 youths to lead a protest in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory against the Service Chiefs in Nigeria.

  • Group thanks President Buhari over visit to Maiduguri

    Group thanks President Buhari over visit to Maiduguri

    … expresses confidence in military’s commitment to peace in Borno state

    The North-East Network for Peace has lauded President Muhammadu Buhari for his prompt and compassionate visit to Maiduguri, Borno State on Tuesday.

    According to the group, it is a testament of the president’s focus and unwavering commitment towards restoring lasting peace to the state and the entire region.

    Speaking on behalf of the peace network at a press conference on Friday, President, Rev. Josiah Bitrus said they are impressed with the efforts so far in dislodging the Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists from the various hideouts in North-East.

    Although the group believes resurgence of attacks in Borno has coloration of insider influence, it expressed optimism that the military will eventually come out tops.

    In the meantime, however, the North-East Network, called on President Buhari to declare a state of emergency in Borno State.

    Read full address below:

    We welcome you all to the press conference put together by the North East Network for Peace, a non-governmental organization dedicated to the return of lasting peace in the North East region of Nigeria.

    The importance of this press conference cannot be overemphasized given the efforts of the Nigerian Military in the theatre of operations in North-East Nigeria who have exhibited an unimaginable level of commitment to ending the Boko Haram menace.

    The North East Network for Peace as worthy partners in the war against terrorism in North-East Nigeria is indeed impressed with the efforts so far in dislodging the Boko Haram insurgents from the various hideouts in North-East Nigeria.

    This is cognizant of the commitment of the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria that has indeed displayed an infectious commitment towards ending the Boko Haram insurgency in North-East Nigeria.

    His recent visit to Maiduguri has shown once again that Mr. President has not reneged on his promise to free the entire country of terrorism but will continue to show the people of Borno State and the rest of the country the love and affection to pull through these difficult and challenging moments in the annals of the country.

    The North East Network for Peace also wishes to applaud President Muhammadu Buhari for his courageous and fearless posture in speaking the truth no matter the situation. His commitment is unwavering and an indication that, in a matter of time, the menace of Boko Haram would come to an end.

    The North East Network for Peace wishes to state that Boko Haram is still operating in Borno state is as a result of the connivance of the local authorities that are benefiting from the crisis. So, therefore, they must do everything to ensure that the activities of Boko Haram activities fester.

    These groups of individuals are the very ones under whose care the commonwealth of the people have been vested upon, and they have abused it with careless abandon. They would continue to do everything possible to ensure that the war against terrorism continues so that they can continue to cover their tracks and perpetuate more evil.

    The North East Network for Peace consequently wishes to state that the government must take drastic measures in Borno State if it’s desirous of entrenching peace and tranquility as the strategic importance of Borno state in the fight against Boko Haram terrorism cannot be overemphasized.

    The North East Network for Peace also states that the resurgence of Boko Haram attacks in Borno State has every coloration of insider influence, just like the recent attack in Auno where scores of vehicles were burnt and scores of individuals killed by thugs suspected to be sponsored in an attempt to discredit the efforts of the Nigerian Military.

    It is thus our considered opinion that the imposition of a State of Emergency in Borno State would indeed provide the needed tonic for the enforcement of peace and tranquility. It must be noted that the declaration of a State of Emergency in Borno State would put an end to the political support the Boko Haram enjoys at the moment. It would also give room for full Presidential directives and action to sweep the entire north-east of the Boko Haram elements.

    The North East Network for Peace is using this medium to call on President Muhammadu Buhari to once again exercise his unflinching love for the people of North East by declaring a State of Emergency in Borno State. This action would go a long way in restoring the peace and tranquility that has evaded Borno State, once regarded as the Home of Peace.

    The North East Network for Peace pledges its support to the activities of the Nigerian Military and also appreciates the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

    We thank you all for attending this press conference, and we desire that very soon we shall come together again to celebrate the final decimation of the Boko Haram Terrorist group.

  • Declare state of emergency in Borno State now, group tells Buhari

    Declare state of emergency in Borno State now, group tells Buhari

    The Centre for Africa Liberation and Socio-Economic Rights (CALSER) has called on President Muhammadu Buhari to forthwith declare a state of emergency in Borno State.

    This is on the heels of politically instigated killings in the state, targeted at destabilizing the Buhari administration.

    At a press conference on Wednesday in Abuja, Convener, Princess Ajibola condemned the renewed spate of insurgents attacks in Borno state.

    The group wondered why Borno is overly targeted for renewed insurgent attacks despite the concentration of troops in almost all the communities in the state.

    CALSER alleged that Governor Babagana Zulum and his predecessor Senator Kashim Shettima know about the spate of insecurity in the state.

    The Centre for Africa Liberation and Socio-Economic Rights, therefore, called for total declaration of a State of Emergency in Borno State in order for the relevant authorities to get to the root cause of the renewed terrorist activities.

    The group further demanded that Zulum step down to allow for full presidential powers to restore peace and security in the state.

  • Boko Haram back alive in Borno, Gov Zulum tells Buhari

    Boko Haram back alive in Borno, Gov Zulum tells Buhari

    Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, has decried the recent attacks by Boko Haram insurgents in the state.

    This comes against the backdrop of the killing of 30 travellers by the terrorists on Sunday in Auno town near Maiduguri, the state capital.

    The governor complained about the security situation in the state when he met with President Muhammadu Buhari who visited Maiduguri shortly after he returned from Ethiopia on Wednesday.

    “We are surprised that there seems to be a resurgence in 2019,” he was quoted as saying in a statement by the President’s spokesman, Garba Shehu.

    Recalling the situation before President Buhari assumed office in 2015, Zulum said “Roads were closed, there were sporadic bombings everywhere even within the metropolis. Close to 20 local government areas were under Boko Haram.”

    He, however, thanked the President for identifying with the state in its trying times and praised the efforts of the military so far.

    President Buhari with Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, and Shehu of Borno, HRM Abubakar Umar El-Kanemi, at the Shehu’s Palace on February 12, 2020.

    The governor tasked the military to borrow from their successes, especially between 2015 – 2017 and take the battle to the insurgents and push them to the fringes of Lake Chad.

    He also urged the security agencies to be patient with the civilian populace and give opportunities to the Internally Displaced Persons to access their communities in order to return to their occupations.

    In his remarks, President Buhari revealed that the Federal Government was taking more proactive and decisive measures to put to an end to the Boko Haram menace in the country once and for all.

    To achieve the objectives, he stressed that intelligence sharing and synergy between law enforcement agencies and the civil populace were critical.

    “I assure you that improvement in security will be pursued vigorously. The military will work harder and strategise with tactics to deal with the insurgents.

    “This is, however, not possible without good intelligence and cooperation with local community leaders,” the President stated.

  • Boko Haram attacks another Borno town, many feared dead

    An unspecified number of people have been reported killed in a night attack on Auno town by some suspected Boko Haram elements.

    Eyewitnesses disclosed that a large number of vehicles loaded with goods, shops and houses were also set ablaze by the suspected insurgents who sneaked into the town and lunched attack on sleeping travelers at the town which is 24km to Maiduguri, Borno State capital.

    Adamu Tella a commercial driver who drove through the road on Monday morning (today) said he saw three corpses been conveyed by Civilian JTF.

    “I could not count the number of vehicles that were burnt. But I saw three burnt corpses in a vehicle of civilian JTF. I also saw many houses and shops burnt down to ashes” Adamu informed.

    Adamu also informed that his driver friend’s vehicle was also burnt in the incident.

    Another eyewitness, Haruna Yunusa, passenger, informed that he saw three burnt dead bodies counted 21 vehicles including trailers, some of them still under fire as at the time he passed through the town this morning.

    “I saw some three dead bodies that were burnt on the ground. I counted about 21 vehicles that have been burnt. I also noticed that so many shops and house were also burnt. Some of the vehicles were still being consumed by the fire because of the items they are carrying”, Haruna Yunusa informed.

    Auno is one of the towns located along the Maiduguri/Damaturu road which has recently come under serious attacks by the Boko Haram insurgents.

  • Sunday disaster! Four killed, thirteen injured as suicide bombers attack worshipers in Borno

    Sunday disaster! Four killed, thirteen injured as suicide bombers attack worshipers in Borno

    Two female suicide bombers have attacked a mosque in Gwoza, Borno state, killing four persons.

    It was gathered that the female bombers tried to force their way into the mosque during the early morning prayers before some persons in the neighbourhood raised an alarm.

    Some residents suspect that the suicide bombers might have infiltrated the town during a wedding which held at the palace of the Emir of Gwoza on Saturday.

    Police authorities in the state say the area has been cordoned off while soldiers from 192 Battalion have been deployed there.

    Borno state has been the worst hit in the resurgence of Boko haram attacks in the Northeast.

  • Boko Haram bombs crowded bridge in Borno, over 30 killed

    Boko Haram bombs crowded bridge in Borno, over 30 killed

    At least 30 people were killed in the northeastern state of Borno after an improvised explosive device detonated on El-Beid bridge .

    No group immediately took responsibility. Both Boko Haram and the regional offshoot of Islamic State, known as ISWAP, are active in the area.

    According to a wire report, the bomb detonated at roughly 5 p.m. local time (1600 GMT) on a crowded bridge in the market town of Gamboru that leads into neighbouring Cameroon.

    Witnesses in the market town said more than 35 injured people were taken to the local hospital following the attack.

    “It is an unfortunate day for us to witness this frustrating and devastating incident in our community,” eyewitness Modu Ali Said told Reuters.

    “I just heard a loud sound of explosions, before I realised I saw many of our friends and colleagues were killed,” Said added.

    Two sources with the Civilian Joint Task Force, a group of citizens formed to fight Boko Haram, confirmed the attack and the early death toll estimates.

  • Payment of salaries not achievement- Borno Gov.

    Payment of workers’ salaries of and pensions cannot be considered achievement, Borno Governor Professor Babagana Umara Zulum has said.

    Speaking after he approved the early payment of December 2019 salaries in the middle last week to enable Christians prepare for the Christmas celebration, the Governor said he has never considered payment of salaries a part of his achievements but as payment of debt.

    “I have never considered payment of workers’ salaries as achievement but rather as payment of debt, in this case, government paying for the services rendered by law abiding civil servants who signed contracts with the government as employees to work for hours, days and weeks and be paid for their work at the end of the month.

    “The workers are in government debt when they work, and government pays that debt by paying salaries. Payment of debt is never an achievement, it is an obligation and this why we ensure that before 26th of every month, workers and pensioners get paid. The workers on their path must also be up and doing so that they can earn these salaries”, Zulum said in a press statement issued in December 2019 by his Special Adviser on Public Relations and Strategy, Malam Isa Gusau.

     

  • Buhari condemns execution of Aid Workers in Borno

    Buhari condemns execution of Aid Workers in Borno

    President Muhammadu Buhari has condemned the alleged execution of four aid workers by terrorists in North-eastern Nigeria.

    He said that the defeat of evil by good is inevitable, no matter the pyrrhic victory evildoers seem to win.

    The President disclosed this in a statement by Mr Femi Adeshina, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the President, in Abuja on Saturday.

    He expressed sadness over the development and commiserated with the family and loved ones of the aid workers.

    The aid workers had been abducted near Damasak, Borno State in July and had been held by the insurgents in spite of efforts to secure their release.

    “Evil will always be defeated by good at the end of the day. Whatever seeming victory evil records, eventually rebounds on the evildoer.

    ”We are resolved to beat evil in this land, and we remain unrelenting till we achieve it,” the President said/

    He urged all insurgents to lay down their arms and rejoin decent humanity.