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Eight Killed as Bus Hits Explosive Device in Borno Tensions Rise Over Minister’s Comments

Our Reporters2 months ago2 months ago04 mins

At least eight people, including a driver and seven passengers, were killed on Saturday after their vehicle hit an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) suspected to have been planted by Boko Haram terrorists along the Maiduguri–Damboa–Biu federal highway. The tragic incident occurred around 11:30 a.m. near Gidan Kaji (Poultry House) in Konduga Local Government Area, a location that has remained deserted for over a decade due to insurgency. A convoy of private and commercial vehicles was being escorted by troops from Damboa to Maiduguri when the explosion happened, seriously injuring several others who were later rushed to the State Specialist Hospital in Maiduguri for treatment. The District Head of Damboa, Lawan Maina, confirmed the casualties and urged the Federal Government and security agencies to intensify their efforts in combating terrorism in the region. The deadly attack came shortly after former Borno Commissioner for Trade and Commerce, Hon. Yerima Lawan Kareto, criticized the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, for downplaying the security concerns raised by Governor Babagana Zulum. Governor Zulum had earlier warned that Borno may be losing ground to terrorists, citing recent Boko Haram attacks and displacement of military formations in areas like Wulgo, Izge, Sabon Gari, and Wajirko. In response to Zulum’s statement, Minister Idris issued a press release claiming the government remained committed to defeating terrorism and described the governor’s remarks as misinformed. The minister’s aide, Rabiu Ibrahim, later clarified that the controversial headline attributed to his boss—“Ignore Zulum, Boko Haram has not taken over Borno”—was categorically false and a misrepresentation of the minister’s comments. Still, Hon. Kareto maintained that the rebuttal was insufficient, insisting that the minister should visit Borno personally to understand the gravity of the situation and offer an apology to both the state government and its people. Kareto, a native of Damasak, challenged Minister Idris to travel with him to the frontline communities to witness the reality firsthand. He emphasized that the people of Borno continue to support Governor Zulum’s administration, which has consistently provided critical resources to security agencies since 2019. Kareto urged the governor and frontline troops not to be discouraged by the Minister’s remarks but to remain focused in the battle against insurgency. “Borno’s resilience should not be taken for granted,” Kareto stated, adding that only an on-ground assessment could help federal authorities better understand the renewed threat posed by Boko Haram.

Tinubu visits Borno, pledges more support, creation of relief fund

Our Reporters9 months ago9 months ago06 mins

Nigeria’s President Bola Ahmed Tinubu announced a disaster relief fund Monday in Maiduguri, Borno State, to assist Nigerian citizens impacted by floods and other disasters. He said the relief fund is already expedient as the climate becomes more unpredictable and many places in the country are vulnerable to its vagaries. President Tinubu announced this at the Borno Government House when he visited the state to sympathise with the government and people over the recent flooding from Alau Dam. He urged the private sector to contribute to the fund. Senate president Godswill Akpabio, who accompanied the President on the visit, said the National Assembly will collaborate with the executive to establish the Fund. Tinubu visited the Shehu of Borno, an Internally Displaced Persons camp at the Government Secondary School in Maiduguri and had a drive-through of the areas affected by the disaster. President Tinubu said: “After my visit to the Shehu of Borno and the IDP camp, I have been reflecting on how to tackle this kind of disaster and the effects of climate change. “There must be a disaster relief fund. I will invite the private sector to team up with us and help rebuild the affected areas. “If we take a small percentage from FAAC and put it as disaster relief fund, which will include all of you, we will be activating and strengthening our sense of belonging,” he said. The President thanked Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq of Kwara State, who is also Chairman of the Nigeria Governors Forum, Bauchi State governor Bala Mohammed, Sokoto State Governor Ahmad Aliyu; and Kogi State governor Ahmed Usman Ododo; and other governors who look beyond party lines to bear the burdens of others. He said that Nigeria’s diversity should spur prosperity. The President extended his sympathy to the government, the people of Yobe State, and all the states affected by flooding and pledged his government’s continued support for victims of natural disasters. “For all the people of Yobe State, I sympathise with you. We will create an outstanding programme for Nigeria to recover from this calamity. We will build our nation together,” the President assured. The President commended the Governor of Borno State, Professor Babagana Zulum, for prompt intervention and the Theatre Command of the Nigerian military for the evacuation that saved many lives. “I am glad that Prof. Zulum has been a very active governor. Let me assure you that we will be with you, Borno State and share the burden. “This disaster was a natural one. It was not the making of anybody. We cannot pass the blame. We pray that the Almighty Allah will receive the souls of the departed and grant them eternal rest. “May God also overlook their shortcomings and misdeeds on earth,” he added. President Tinubu commended all the ministries, agencies, and security outfits, particularly the military, involved in evacuation and relief and recognised the international organisations working in the state. The Governor of Borno State thanked the President for the visit and commended the prompt intervention of Federal Government agencies, particularly NEMA and the military’s Theatre Command, in evacuating stranded victims. At the palace, the Shehu of Borno, Abubakar Ibn Umar Garba El-Kanemi, thanked the President for the honour of visiting the state after the Vice President, Sen. Kashim Shettima, had earlier represented him. The Shehu of Borno urged the President to investigate the cause of the Alua dam collapse and overflow into the town to prevent a recurrence.