- Terrorism will soon become history, says Ayokunle
Senator Iroegbu in Abuja
Following the unfortunate incident at Rann in Kala-Balge Local Government Area of Borno State, Governor Kashim Shettima has ordered the State Ministry of Health to set up an emergency unit with all medical hospitals under the State Government located in Maiduguri which include the State Specialist Hospital, the Professor Umaru Shehu Hospital and General Muhammad Shuwa memorial hospital, all placed on standby in readiness to carryout emergency treatment.
The governor’s spokesman, Isa Gusau, said in a statement emailed to journalists, that Governor Shettima received the news with very deep concern while he has channeled his focus on ensuring that all the victims, particularly those with severe injuries are provided urgent medical treatment.
He said as at tuesday, the International Committee of the Red Cross and Red Crescent has deployed a helicopter which is on ground at Rann to begin evacuation of victims, starting with those with the most critical health conditions.
He added that The MSF (Doctors without border) along with officials of the state government have been first responders.
According to him, “Governor Shettima particularly commends the MSF for its rapid response in providing first aide treatment to victims at the scene.
“While Shettima is working to ensure that all victims are evacuated as soon as possible, the State Commissioner of Health has mobilised medical doctors, nurses, lab technicians, pharmacists and other health officials in all hospitals owned by Borno State Government .
Also he has also asked that ambulances be deployed.
“The medical experts are currently on standby with emergency consumables set for treatment of victims soon as they arrive Maiduguri.
“Casualty figures are yet to be ascertained but from information available to the Governor, there are records of deaths with many persons injured. The Governor’s heart is with families of all those affected and urges citizens to pray for the repose of the souls of those dead and the speedy recovery of the injured.
“Shettima looks forward to formal communication from the military to ascertain what happened and would brief the press should there be the need to do so. For now, all focus should be on the evacuation of victims and the provision of emergency medical services to them.”
Meanwhile, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has condemned the twin bombings that rocked the University of Maiduguri, Borno State, killing a university professor and five others last Monday.
The CAN President, Rev. Samson Ayokunle, who said this in a statement yesterday, commiserated with the families of the victims and expressed optimism the menace would become history.
Ayokunle also condemened Boko Haram terrorists for the attacks, saying: “Only satanic agents amid us could perpetrate such dastardly acts, and wondered when worshipping God has become a crime.”
Three suicide bombers reportedly sneaked into the institution and detonated Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) at three different locations, including a mosque near gates 4 and 5 of the institution, killing Professor Aliyu Mani, five others including the suicide bombers while over 19 others suffered multiple injuries.
The Christian umbrella organisation also condemned the leader of the Boko Haram sect, Abubakar Shekau, who in a new audio released, claimed responsibility for the unprecedented bomb attack in the institution.
“CAN condemns the wicked and criminal bombing of people worshipping in the mosques at the University of Maiduguri recently.
“What offence did these worshippers commit to warrant this? Only the demon possessed individuals can be behind this type of act,” Ayokunle stated.
While commiserating with the bereaved, CAN president also prayed for divine comfort, wishing those recuperating in the hospital a quick recovery.
He, however, tasked the security agencies to go after the terrorists who have been dislodged from their strongholds but going about attacking soft targets with a view to ending the menace as soon as possible.
The clergyman also advised members of the public to compliment the efforts of the security operatives by reporting suspected people to them.
Part of the statement further read: “The CAN commiserates with the family of the victims of the terrorist attacks, and prays for the comfort of the Holy Spirit for them. The association as well prays for quick recovery for those who were injured.
“We urge the federal government through the law enforcement agents not to relent in going after these evil men in our midst. They are already dislodged from Sambisa forest and are scattered all around to target public places and unsuspecting people to perform their heinous enterprise.”
“We urge all Nigerians to be watchful and quickly report suspicious moves and individuals to the law enforcement agents. We would soon overcome completely terrorism in Nigeria in the name of Jesus,” Ayokunle who is also the President of the Nigerian Baptist Convention, stated.
