Dozens of civilians were killed in a military drone attack in Kaduna last week. The drone was meant to target terrorists operating in the state.
President Bola Tinubu, in Maiduguri, Borno State, on Monday, expressed his condolences once again to the families of Nigerians who lost their lives in the recent bombing in Tudun Biri, Kaduna State. The president said most of the victims were killed while reciting the Shadada (Islamic declaration of faith) as they observed the Islamic Maulud festival.
Dozens of civilians were killed in a military drone attack in Kaduna last week. The drone was meant to target terrorists operating in the state.
''They were Nigerians of profound faith and in the moment of the tragedy, they were reciting the Shadada. God Almighty comforts their families as their nation grieves their passage into glory. May their souls rest in eternal peace,'' the president prayed.
Speaking at the palace of the Shehu of Borno, Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai Al-Amin El-Kanemi, the president pledged that the federal government will continue to do all within its powers to provide support and care to the families of all Nigerians affected by the remnants of insecurity in parts of Borno State.
''This is my most sacred responsibility and the trajectory of the larger effort shown by the ratio of victory over defeat has been sliding well in our favour since the new administration has resumed office. We are not satisfied yet. We are not satisfied until we reach the end of insecurity in Nigeria,'' the president declared.The president declared that under his watch, security issues would remain a top priority, but not limited only to battlefield concerns.
''We will provide better amenities and benefits to our gallant armed forces and their families. We are committed to this and this is factored into the 2024 budget. We will ensure that our administration reflects the grateful heart of the Nigerian people in the way we treat those who make the ultimate sacrifices on our behalf,'' the President affirmed.
Under President Tinubu's leadership, the Office of the National Security Adviser has worked diligently to connect all branches of the nation's security architecture by closely coordinating missions and enhancing inter-agency intelligence sharing at all levels. Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, acknowledged the steady improvement in collaboration between the security agencies and the Borno State Government.
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''We have seen the close working relationship between our state and the security agencies. The results are speaking for themselves. We remain committed to the achievement of the Renewed Hope Agenda in the fight against insecurity anywhere it exists in Nigeria. We thank you for your leadership, Mr President. We will continue to give all required support to the Nigerian Armed Forces,'' Governor Zulum said.
On his part, the Shehu of Borno, Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai Al-Amin El-Kanemi, urged the president to deliver his infrastructural interventions to areas that have been hard hit by insurgency over the years.
''We seek the revival of the Lake Chad Commission to provide succour to the large communities in the Lake Chad's surrounding areas. We seek power projects and job creation initiatives for our unemployed youth. Governor Zulum has been performing beyond what is humanly possible but his resources are limited. Please assist him,'' the Shehu of Borno stated.
Commending the Shehu of Borno for supporting the government of Borno State and the federal government in maintaining peace and stability in the region, President Tinubu promised to enhance the active involvement of traditional institutions in ensuring stability at the grassroots level across the country.
Ajuri Ngelale
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
