President Bola Tinubu, in Maiduguri, Borno State, on Monday, once again expressed pround sadness, then deep condolences, to the families of Nigerians who lost their lives in the recent bombing tragedy in Tudun Biri, Kaduna State, that claimed over 85 lives, critically injuring over 90 others.
Speaking at the palace of the Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai Al-Amin El-Kanemi, President Tinubu was sad and distressed that most of the victims tragically lost their lives while reciting the Shadada as they observed maulud, a central statement of faith for practising Muslims.
“They were Nigerians of profound faith and in the moment of the tragedy, they were reciting the Shadada,” Tinubu recalled sorrowfully, praying God Almighty to comfort the victims’ families even as “their nation grieves their passage into glory. May their souls rest in eternal peace.”
In a statement, the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, said Tinubu pledged at the occasion that the Federal Government will continue to do all within its powers to provide support and care to the families of all Nigerians affected by the remnants of insecurity in parts of Borno State.
“This is my most sacred responsibility and the trajectory of the larger effort shown by the ratio of victory over defeat has been sliding well in our favour since the new administration has resumed office. We are not satisfied yet. We are not satisfied until we reach the end of insecurity in Nigeria,” the President declared.
The President further declared that under his watch, security issues would remain a top priority, but not limited only to battlefield concerns.
“We will provide better amenities and benefits to our gallant armed forces and their families. We are committed to this and this is factored into the 2024 budget. We will ensure that our administration reflects the grateful heart of the Nigerian people in the way we treat those who make the ultimate sacrifices on our behalf,” the President affirmed.
Ngelale recalled that “Under President Tinubu’s leadership, the Office of the National Security Adviser has worked diligently to connect all branches of the nation’s security architecture by closely coordinating missions and enhancing inter-agency intelligence sharing at all levels. Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Zulum acknowledged the steady improvement in collaboration between the security agencies and the Borno State Government.”
In his speech, the host Governor, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, observed that: “We have seen the close working relationship between our state and the security agencies. The results are speaking for themselves. We remain committed to the achievement of the Renewed Hope Agenda in the fight against insecurity anywhere it exists in Nigeria. We thank you for your leadership, Mr. President. We will continue to give all required support to the Nigerian Armed Forces.”
Speaking at the event, the Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai Al-Amin El-Kanemi, urged the President to deliver his infrastructural interventions to areas that have been hard hit by insurgency over the years.
“We seek the revival of the Lake Chad Commission to provide succour to the large communities in the Lake Chad’s surrounding areas. We seek power projects and job creation initiatives for our unemployed youths. Governor Zulum has been performing beyond what is humanly possible but his resources are limited. Please assist him,” the Shehu of Borno stated.
Commending the Royal Father for supporting the government of Borno State and the Federal Government in maintaining peace and stability in the region, President Tinubu promised to enhance the active involvement of traditional institutions in ensuring stability at the grassroots level across the country.
