The death toll from the bomb attack in Gwoza area of Borno State on Saturday has risen to 32, Vice President Kashim Shettima announced yesterday. During a condolence visit to the families of the victims in Gwoza, Shettima expressed deep sorrow over the tragic incident.
In a statement by Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Information, Shettima described the incident as pathetic and quoted the late Dele Giwa, saying, “One life lost in cold blood is as gruesome as millions lost in cold blood.
Speaking with reporters after meeting with victims of the attack at the State Specialist Hospital in Maiduguri, Shettima conveyed the condolences of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to the Borno State government and the people of Gwoza. He mentioned that 42 persons were brought to the hospital, with 14 having been discharged and 26 still receiving treatment.
Shettima, accompanied by the Borno State Acting Governor Umar Usman Kadafur, Babagana Kingibe, Senator Ali Ndume, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security Abubakar Kyari, former Nigerian Ambassador to China Baba Ahmed Jidda, the Director-General of NEMA, and other government officials, made a personal donation to the victims and offered condolences to the families of those killed by the multiple explosions.
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The Acting Governor, Kadafur, stated, “We are here on behalf of Governor Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum to sympathise with the victims and see firsthand the treatment they are receiving. We urge the people to accept this as an act of God and not lose hope in the emerging peace in the state.” He also announced the state government’s donation of N5 million to support the victims receiving treatment.
The Northern Senators Forum (NSF) has vowed to bolster security measures and ensure swift responses to terrorism threats. Senator Abdulaziz Yaradua, Chairman of the NSF, commended the efforts of medical teams, rescue workers, and the Nigerian Army.
The Southern Senators’ Forum, led by Senator Adetokunbo Abiru, Senator Barinada Mpigi, and Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, also condemned the attacks.
They demanded a collective and robust response to terrorism in the country. They urged the Federal Government and security agencies to intensify their efforts in combating terrorism and ensuring the safety of all Nigerians.
The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) also denounced the bomb attack. He called for renewed military efforts to combat religious extremism, banditry, and insurgency. Prof. Tukur A. Muhammad-Baba, ACF National Publicity Secretary, expressed deep sadness over the coordinated suicide bomb attacks that specifically targeted a wedding party, a funeral, and a hospital, resulting in numerous casualties.
