Boko Haram: We will never forsake families of those killed ―Shettima

Borno State Governor, Kashim Shettima has assured that his government will never forsake the families of those who are in the trenches trying to keep the peace in Borno state.

He gave this assurance following the confusion and anger that enveloped the state as a result of an obvious leak of information on the two weeks oil exploration which was embarked upon by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation NNPC in conjunction with some experts in the University of Maiduguri UNIMAID leading to an ambush on the last day of their professional work.

Shetttima described Boko Haram’s violent attacks on geologists from UNIMAID and exploration workers from the NNPC as a tragic setback in the fight against insurgency even as they frustrate efforts to boost Nation’s economic fortunes.

In a statement from his spokesman, Isa Gusau, Shettima said that since he first got the information concerning the attack on his way to visit the President in London, he hasn’t been his normal self and is yet to recover from the shock of that attack.

“I haven’t been myself since I received information on that attack. What happened in the first instance was a tragic setback in the fight against Boko Haram and in Nigeria’s effort to expand its economic fortunes. I am deeply pained by this incident especially coming at a time when we were beginning to pick up the pieces of our lives.”

“Even though the attack should never have happened given the successes recorded by the Military and multi-national joint forces since 2015, I nonetheless still deem it necessary to commend the military for re-mobilising and countering the initial gains of the insurgents.”

“On behalf of the Government and people of Borno State, I mourn and salute the soldiers and our sons in the Civilian JTF who paid the supreme price by giving their lives in this fight. ‎I commiserate with their families and loved ones,” said the Governor.

The Governor mourned and saluted all workers or supportive staff who might have lost their lives in the course of trying to contribute in boosting Nigeria’s economy through the ill-fated exploration activities in the Chad basin adding that his heart goes to the families of every victim.

According to him, the Borno State Government has never lost focus in doing whatever is within its powers in supporting the Armed Forces, in funding and equipping the Civil JTF and other volunteers, in mobilizing and passing on intelligence generated from communities and in regularly briefing all those concerned with the fight against Boko Haram.

He assured the people of Borno State and other Nigerians that his government is not resting on his oars since they as a team been devotedly committed to this fight as the armed forces and multi-nationals involved in this battle can testify adding that by the power and grace of God, the battle against Boko Haram will be completed soon.

“I urge our military, volunteers in the Civilian JTF, vigilantes and hunters to consider what happened as a temporary setback that should strengthen our will and collective determination to defeat the forces of evil. I am confident that Boko Haram will become history, by the will of the Nigerian Armed Forces through the supreme help of God,” Shettima was quoted in the statement.