Vice President Kashim Shettima on Wednesday visited victims of the recent multiple bomb explosions in Maiduguri, Borno State, who are currently receiving treatment at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH).
The Vice President, accompanied by the Director-General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Hajiya Zubaida Umar, toured the hospital’s Trauma Centre where survivors of the devastating attacks are being cared for. The coordinated suicide bombings, linked to Boko Haram insurgents, reportedly claimed about 23 lives and left more than 100 others injured.
Speaking to journalists after the visit, Shettima expressed deep sympathy to the government and people of Borno State, as well as the wider North-East region. He particularly condoled with families who lost loved ones in the attacks, which occurred at the Post Office, Monday Market, and the main entrance of UMTH on Monday evening.
His words: “We are here to commiserate with the Government, the people of Borno state and the North East, especially families of those who lost their loved ones during the triple suicide attacks at Post Office, Monday Market and the main entrance of UMTH last Monday evening.”
The Vice President also prayed for the repose of the souls of the deceased and wished the injured a speedy recovery.
Reaffirming the Federal Government’s commitment to tackling insecurity, Shettima assured Nigerians that efforts to restore peace would not relent.
He said: “In this unfortunate incidents, I want to assure the people that Government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will.not rest on its oars until peace and sanity is restored in all parts of the country.”
Describing the attacks as senseless and inhumane, Shettima condemned the actions of the perpetrators, insisting that no religion supports violence against innocent people.
“It’s a tragedy, because no religion sanctioned the killings of the innocent. But this madness called Boko Haram would.not live to see the light of the day,” he stated.
He further added: “I don’t even consider them as members of the human race. But be rest assured that no matter how long the night is, it must give way to the light of the town.”
Highlighting the government’s ongoing response, Shettima noted that NEMA and other agencies were already mobilising support for victims.
“Government through the Director-General of National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), who is here with me. She’s a mother. She’s a housewife, like she has abandoned her home to render succor and support,” he said.
He also acknowledged the presence of the North East Development Commission (NEDC) team and the Borno State Deputy Governor, Hon. Usman Umar Kadafur, who represented Governor Babagana Umara Zulum during the visit.
“Likewise, the North East Development Commission, NEDC team are also on entourage of the VP alongside the Borno State Deputy Governor, Hon. Usman Umar Kadafur on behalf of Governor Babagana Umara Zulum, with a view to render the needed support,” he added.
Shettima appreciated the role of the media in reporting the crisis and keeping the public informed.
“I want to thank the media for your support also, thank you very much,” he said.
He further disclosed that relief efforts would begin immediately, with essential supplies set to reach victims and affected families.
“Let me assure you that NEMA will by tomorrow (Thursday) start the distribution of medical consumables and relief items to the victims and their families.”
