We’re expecting two more suicide bomb attacks this Sallah period — Borno governor

Urges vigilance

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From Fred Ezeh, Abuja

Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum has said the state might witness another round of suicide bomber attacks this Sallah period or shortly afterwards.

He said the reason was that about five suicide bombers sent from different Boko Haram camps had recently escaped into Maiduguri town for that purpose, following the firepower being witnessed across all their camps in Maiduguri and environs.

He said the recent attacks aim to distract the security forces from their ongoing operations in the various bushes in the state where Boko Haram insurgents have their camps.

Prof. Zulum told the BBC Hausa Service on Friday that the recent suicide bomb attacks were not strange but were expected, especially during the Ramadan period. “As I said, out of the 5 suicide bombers that escaped into Maiduguri recently, 3 have detonated their own with casualties as expected. But we are expecting the remaining two suicide bombers to detonate theirs, and it might likely happen this Sallah period. Don’t be surprised if it happens; we are anticipating it.

“These bitter actions of the insurgents are a fallout of the firepower of the Nigerian security forces that was unleashed on them at their various bases in Sambisa, Konduga, and other locations in the state and environs. It’s also tactics being used to distract the security forces and government from the ongoing air and land strikes in their various camps. But we would defeat them.

“However, we have directed that people should restrict their movements and activities this Sallah period so there could be fewer casualties when it eventually happens because they often target soft spots where they would record many casualties.

“There are about 4 to 5 million people in Maiduguri town, so there’s no way we could ask everyone to stay indoors this period. That’s why we asked the people to be vigilant in their actions and movement this period.”

The governor, however, confirmed that the security forces are actively searching and tracing to see if they could intercept the remaining two suicide bombers before they cause havoc.

He commended the intervention of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, particularly in the release of funds running into millions of dollars and other logistics for the military and civilian JTF to sustain the fight.

The governor boasted that Boko Haram cannot have it the way they wanted, stressing that the government and people of Borno State, as well as the federal government through the security forces, are strongly committed to eliminating the insurgents from all their camps.

He added: ‘No need to criticise the President for not visiting Borno during that period. Remember that he had directed the service chiefs to relocate to Maiduguri to support the fight. In addition to that, he has also released the needed funds to execute the fight. That’s commendable. I am sure he will visit when the time is right for him.”