President Buhari
By Teddy Nwanunobi, Abuja
ABUJA (Sundiata Post) – President Muhammadu Buhari has strongly condemned the terrorist attack in the University of Maiduguri, Borno State on Monday morning at a mosque, describing the Islamic sect, Boko Haram’s acts of terrorism as “cowardly, criminal, unjustifiable and punishable before God Almighty and the laws of the land”.
Buhari, who expressed sympathy and heartfelt condolences to the university community, families of the victims and the government and people of Borno State, said that the attacks on a revered place of worship and Ivory Tower show that members of the sect does not have the true understanding of Islam.
Buhari’s message was displayed on the Facebook wall of his Special Adviser (Media & Publicity), Femi Adesina.
“President Muhammadu Buhari strongly condemns the terrorist attack Monday morning at a mosque in the University of Maiduguri.
“The President expresses sympathy and heartfelt condolences to the University community, families of the victims and the government and people of Borno State.
“Buhari believes that this appalling attack on a revered place of worship and Ivory Tower shows that the perpetrators have no true understanding of Islam, adding that their despicable acts of terrorism are cowardly, criminal, unjustifiable and punishable before God Almighty and the laws of the land.
“The President reassures communities in Borno and others in the North eastern part of the country that his administration will continue to ensure that terrorism never triumphs over peace-loving Nigerians.
“He reaffirms the need for Nigerians to remain more vigilant even as the security agencies continue to use all means at their disposal to combat the remnants of insurgents and their sponsors.President Buhari wishes those injured in the attack a speedy and full recovery, and comfort for families of the dead,” Adesina wrote.
It would be recalled that Boko Haram, on Monday morning, carried out twin bomb attacks on the community of the University of Maiduguri, Borno State, as residents experienced the first direct attack by the dreaded group since the beginning of insurgency in Nigeria.
The State Commissioner of Police, Damian Isuku, according to the State police spokesman, Victor Isuku, has since mobilised to the scene of the blast for on the spot assessment of the situation.
Isuku noted that the blast happened during early morning prayers by Muslim faithful, and promised to provide more details soon.
It was gathered that the early morning bomb attack, which occurred at JS mosque near the staff quarters, was carried out by a 7-year-old suicide bomber.
The bomber, it was learnt, killed a Director of Vetenary medicine, Prof. Aliyu Mani, and four others, while another 15 persons were said to be injured.
It was also gathered that students are angry over being locked up in their hostel.
A 300 level undergraduate student claimed that students have been complaining that they were locked up in the hotels.
Another female student claimed that her father was just lucky to have stepped out of the mosque before it went off.
“But many of his colleagues, like Professor Mani and other senior staffers, have either been killed or badly injured. When we tried going to scene of the blast, everywhere was covered with shredded human flesh and blood. Most the bodies are being taken to the Teaching Hospital, while others were rushed to the school clinic,” she narrated.
She added that soldiers have since taken over the scenes.
Meanwhile, the Head Media and Public Relations (NEMA), Sani Datti, said the twin blast at the University occured around 5 a.m.
He said that one of the suicide bombers detonated his explosion at a Mosque near Gate 1 when people were observing their early morning prayer, while the second one occurred around Gate 5 of the University.
He added that rescue and security officials were at scene and seventeen (17) injured victims were evacuated to hospital.
Three persons and two suicide bombers have been confirmed dead as at the time of filing in this report.
No group has claimed responsibility for the attack, but it is believed to have been carried out by the Boko Haram.
A source within the University confirmed that the first blast occurred at a mosque within the staff quarters at the time Muslim worshippers were busy concluding the early morning prayer.
The second attack was said to have happened near the university’s 5th gate usually used by pedestrians.
Witnesses said the mosque was completely destroyed.