Shettima, Zulum Console Borno Blast Survivors

Vice President Kashim Shettima and Borno State Governor, Prof Babagana Zulum, on Friday, visited the victims of Wednesday’s bomb blast at a Mosque in Maiduguri, receiving treatment at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH).

The visit was to sympathise with those injured in the devastating explosion that targeted a mosque in Gamboru Market on Wednesday, December 24. The attack, which was believed to have been carried out by Boko Haram insurgents, resulted in multiple casualties and injuries.

At the hospital, Vice President Shettima, accompanied by Governor Zulum, consoled the victims and reiterated the President Bola Tinubu administration’s commitment to ending the threat of terrorism and restoring lasting peace in the country.

“We are here on behalf of the president to sympathise with the victims and treasure the good people of Borno and by extension the nation that government remains unwaveringly committed to secure lives and properties of the citizens.

“The governor of Borno State has been up and doing, working round the clock to complement the efforts of the federal government and we sincerely appreciate the efforts and investment in the security architecture by  Borno State Government,” the VP stated.

The delegation was briefed by the director of Muhammadu Buhari Trauma Centre, who reported that many of the victims have been discharged, others were responding to treatment while one remained in critical condition.

The vice president assured residents of the state and Nigerians nationwide that the federal government remains resolute in its duty to protect lives and property.

Visibly moved by the condition of the victims, Senator Shettima, in a statement by his spokesman, Stanley Nkwocha, reaffirmed the federal government’s determination to end insecurity in the state and across the country.

“We are here on behalf of the President to sympathise with the victims and to reassure the good people of Borno State and indeed the entire nation, that the government remains unwavering in its commitment to secure the lives and property of our citizens,” the vice president said.

The vice president commended Borno State governor, Professor Babagana Zulum, for his sustained efforts in addressing security and humanitarian challenges in the state, noting that the federal government would continue to strengthen collaboration with the state to achieve lasting peace.

“The governor of Borno has been working round the clock to complement the efforts of the Federal Government. I sincerely appreciate his commitment.

“Most importantly, we are united in victory as well as in challenges. We are one nation, tied to a common destiny,” he added.

Briefing the vice president during the visit, the Chief Medical Director of the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital said 14 patients were admitted following the blast, with one patient dying shortly after arrival.

According to him, seven victims remain on admission, including one in critical condition at the intensive care unit, while five others have been treated and discharged.