From Timothy Olanrewaju, Maiduguri
Borno State governor, Babagana Zulum has commended authority in Chad Republic for effective control and stop of terrorists attack on the Presidential Palace in the country’s capital, N’Djamena.
The governor said the Chadian leader, Mahamat Idris Derby Itino effectively handled the attack on the Presidential Palace Complex on Wednesday January 8.
“It gladdens my heart to note that President Derby was unharmed and the violent attack on the Presidential Palace was foiled with the speed of light,” Zulum said in a statement by the state Commissioner of Information and Internal Security, Prof Usman Tar,
He assured the Chad government of Borno State’s continuous prayer for the safety and good health of President Mahamat Derby.
Gun battle between government forces and armed group suspected to be terrorists occurred at the Presidential Palace in N’Djamena otn Wednesday. Authority said it foiled the attack though the incident accentuate the level of instability and insecurity in the Lake Chad region.
Zulum said peace and security of Chad is crucial to the “fragile peace” in Borno due to the contingent boundary of the state with Chad.
He praised President Derby, saying Chad remains a brother to Nigeria having provided refuge for thousands of Borno citizens that fled their homes since 2014 following Boko Haram terror attacks.
“The Chadian authorities have treated the Nigerian refugees with honour and dignity. We are indebted to President Derby and his government for all they have done to grant a safe haven to our people in accordance with the Kampala Convention,” he stated.
Borno shares borders, cultural and trade ties with its neighbours Chad and Niger republics.