- Tinubu Talks Tough, Describes Attacks As Desperate Acts Of Terror
- Atiku Bemoans Resurgence Of Ugly Incidents Of Terrorism
- No To Dark Forces Contending With Peaceful Existence Of Our Nation-Obi
Condemnation and outrage have continued to trail deadly bombing attacks in Gwoza, the North-Eastern state of Borno State which has claimed the lives of no fewer than 18 people.
The Matrix reports that multiple simultaneous suicide bomb attacks occurred in Gwoza LGA in Borno, killing several people.
In the deadly, coordinated attacks, female suicide bombers targeted a wedding, a funeral and a hospital in northern Nigeria that left at least 18 people dead.
Reacting to the unfortunate incidents, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the United States Government, the Northern States Governors’ Forum (NSGF), former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and the Presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 General Elections, Peter Obi have all condemned the attack while sending in their condolences.
The President in a statement on Sunday issued by presidential spokesman, Ajuri Ngelale, commiserated with the victims’ families as well as the Borno State Government.
The statement reads: “President Bola Tinubu strongly condemns the bomb attacks, which resulted in the loss of precious lives and the maiming of other citizens in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State.
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President Tinubu described the attacks as desperate acts of terror and a clear manifestation of the pressure mounted against terrorists and the success achieved in degrading their capacity to launch offensives.
The President declared that the purveyors of wanton violence shall have a certain encounter with justice, and that these cowardly attacks are only but an isolated episode as his government will not allow the nation to slither into an era of fear, tears, sorrow, and blood.
The President stated that his administration is taking necessary measures to secure citizens, emphasizing that efforts will be redoubled to ensure that those who trouble the nation, dispatching precious lives, and disrupting law and order are completely removed”.
Speaking in the same vein, the United States Government condemned the attack, describing it as horrific.
“The United States condemns in the strongest possible terms the horrific attacks that took place in Gwoza, Borno State on June 29. These reprehensible acts of violence show a cruel and heartless disregard for human life,” the Mission said in a Sunday message.
“We offer our deepest condolences to the families and friends of those killed and wish a full recovery to the injured. These abhorrent attacks are a stark reminder of the ongoing threat posed by terrorism in the region.”
On its part, the Northern States Governors’ Forum (NSGF) condoled the families of victims, government and people of the state.
Reacting in a statement on Sunday through Ismaila Uba Misilli, Director-General, Press Affairs, Government House Gombe State Governor and Chairman of the Forum, Inuwa Yahaya condemned the heinous act.
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He described the attack as cowardly, adding that such acts of terror have no place in a peaceful and progressive society.
“These cowardly attacks by bloodthirsty terrorists will never break the spirit of the peace-loving people of Northern Nigeria and our great nation,” he said.
The Governor acknowledged the relentless efforts of the Tinubu Administration in combating terrorism and the pressure being mounted against the criminal elements, just as he expressed his firm belief that with sustained efforts and cooperation among security agencies, the menace of terrorism would be effectively curtailed.
“We must ensure that our security apparatus is always a step ahead of these terrorists. Enhanced intelligence and proactive measures are vital in preventing such tragic incidents,” he stated.
The Governor also commended the Borno State Government for its swift response and measures taken to stabilize the situation and reassure the affected communities.
“Governor Babagana Zulum and his administration have shown exemplary leadership in the face of this tragedy. Their prompt actions have helped in calming the situation and providing immediate relief to the victims,” he said.
Governor Inuwa Yahaya called for collective resilience and unity among the people of Northern Nigeria.
“We must stand together, undeterred by these acts of terror. Our unity and resolve will ultimately defeat the forces of darkness and ensure lasting peace and security in our region”. He said
He reassured the victims and their families of the support and solidarity of the Northern States’ Governors, stating “Our hearts go out to the victims and their families. The NSGF stands united in solidarity with you and remains committed to working collaboratively with all stakeholders to ensure peace and stability prevail across the region and the nation in general”.
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Meanwhile, Atiku and Obi have condemned the resurgence of attacks across the country.
According to Atiku, the development is a stark reminder that ugly incidents of terrorism are resurfacing, and indeed metastasizing.
“It is a sad development that the ugly incidents of terrorism are resurfacing and, indeed, metastasising in the North-East.
The reported attack by suicide bombers at a wedding reception, funeral procession, and a hospital on Saturday stands condemned.
It is unfortunate that much of the pushback that had been achieved against the Boko Haram terror sect are being cancelled, owing mainly to the government’s lacklustre posture to hold firmly on the frontline.
It is thus important to call on the federal authorities to wake up to their responsibility and to make sure that the North-East does not slide back into a theatre of terrorism and extreme violence.
My condolences go to the families of victims of these attacks, and it is my prayer that God grants a peaceful repose to the souls of the departed” he wrote on his X platform on Sunday.
Also, Obi decried the rising incidents of insecurity in the country.
“The issue of security continues to dominate our national discourse because of its critical role in achieving peace and development in the country. The series of recent violent attacks that have rocked our nation and put the people on edge have continued to be of utmost concern.
Gradually, the impression is being created that insecurity had overwhelmed the state while our responses are more of weak ineffective reactions. This unpalatable security situation is denying citizens the right to peaceful living and even threatening the fabric of our national existence and putting to question the commitment of we the leaders to put an end to the menace of insecurity.
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On Wednesday, June 26, 2024, six persons were reportedly killed during an attack on a police station in Ebonyi State by criminals.
Reports also emerged on Thursday, June 27, 2024, that gunmen killed six persons during an attack on Ama Hausa in Garki, Okigwe Local Government Area of Imo State.
Yesterday, we were besieged by the horrible reports of a bombing at a wedding venue in Gwoza town, Borno State, killing several wedding guests and injuring many others.
We must remain unwavering in our demand for the security of lives and property in our nation. The horrible spate of killings, violence and terror attacks have not only robbed us of opportunities for growth and development but have continued to cost us the precious lives of our loved ones. My heart goes out to all the families who have lost their dear ones to the raging insecurity in the nation, especially in these recent attacks.
May God grant eternal rest to the dead and grant quick recovery to the wounded. We must not succumb to the dark forces contending with the peaceful existence of our nation” he wrote.
