Borno Elders Condemn Return Of Bombing In Maiduguri, Calls For Probe

Maiduguri-bombing1-2014The recent spate of bombings in Maiduguri, Borno State after it seemed like the act had finally been curtailed, has been strongly condemned by the Borno Elders Forum, which also urged President Goodluck Jonathan to investigate last Tuesday’s car bomb attack at a busy market in the state capital, which killed scores of people.

The elders also urged the Security Forces to treat the recent threat with professionalism, even as they condoled with the families of the victims of the blast.

Members of the Borno Elders include Alhaji Dr. Shettima Ali Monguno, Imam Babagana Asil, the Imam Idaini of Borno; Alhaji Garba Abba Satomi, Alhaji Bukar Bolori, Alhaji Usman Gaji Galtimari, Alhaji Kyari Sandabe, Brig. General Abba Kyari (rtd), Air Vice Marshal Al-Amin Daggash, Alhaji Shettima Ali Kidaji, Amb. Ahmed Yusufari, AIG Zanna Laminu Mamadi (rtd), AIG Mukhtar Alkali, (rtd), Alhaji Tijjani Bolori, Alhaji Dr. Bulama Mali Gubio, Alhaji Umar Abba Shuwa, Alhaji Ibrahim El-Zubairu, Alhaji Ibrahim Mustapha and Alhaji Gambo Gubio.

A statement on Saturday signed by Ambassador Gaji Galtimari, chairman of the Presidential Committee on Security Challenges in the North-East read: “The Forum has thoroughly diagnosed the events preceding the bomb blast and feels highly disturbed and frustrated. For nearly one year, Maiduguri had almost regained absolute peace and harmony. Our hitherto devastated people had started picking up their lives. That bomb blast, therefore, came to us as the rudest shock. The Forum condemns it in the strongest possible terms.

“The Forum therefore appeals to President Goodluck Jonathan for an immediate and thorough investigation of the bomb blast. The culprits involved should be brought to book. We have gone through extremely traumatic times for long and any further hardship on our people must be curtailed at all costs.

“The Forum appeals to governments, particularly Governor Kashim Shettima to remain focused and steadfast. We also appeal to our armed forces to critically examine and treat the situation at hand with professionalism and patience. Our brave young warriors- the Civilian JTF should also continue to stand for and defend the integrity of our people”, the statement said.