Those behind the Christmas Eve suicide attack in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, will be fished out and made to face the full weight of the law, the Federal Government said yesterday.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered troops to beef up security in the Northeastern state.
Vice President Kashim Shettima, who conveyed the President’s directive, condemned the bombing that killed five people and injured dozens of others in the attack on Gamboru market.
Expressing confidence in the country’s security architecture, the Vice President said ongoing operations would not only lead to the arrest of the attackers but also unravel the full circumstances surrounding the incident.
He described the incident as a despicable assault on innocent citizens and the peace of the nation.
Senior Special Assistant on Media and Communications to the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha, added in a statement that the Federal Government had moved swiftly to prevent further violence and ensure the perpetrators were brought to justice.
The Vice President said: “The Federal Government will not tolerate any attempt to undermine the peace and security of our nation.
“Our security agencies are working round the clock to ensure that the perpetrators of this heinous crime are brought to justice immediately.”
Shettima said President Tinubu had ordered the immediate intensification of security operations in Maiduguri.
This, he said, includes the deployment of additional tactical teams to track down those responsible for the attack at the bustling Gamboru Market area.
“We sympathise with the Government of Borno State, residents, and families who have lost their loved ones in this attack,” he said.
Shettima assured that those behind the attack would face “the full weight of the law.”
He reaffirmed that the Tinubu Administration’s commitment to national security remained unwavering, stressing that the protection of lives and property was a core constitutional responsibility of government.
Boko Haram behind attack, says military
Operation HADIN KAI of the Joint Task Force (Northeast) Headquarters said preliminary findings indicated that the incident was caused by a suspected Boko Haram terrorist (BHT) suicide bomber, who detonated an improvised explosive device, killing himself and two civilians on the scene.
Media Information Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, said in a statement: “A total of 32 civilians sustained varying degrees of injuries.
“Regrettably, two of the injured civilians were later confirmed dead at the hospital, while two others are currently in critical condition.
“The remaining injured persons are stable and receiving appropriate medical care.
“Troops and other security agencies have since intensified surveillance and security measures within Maiduguri and surrounding areas.
“Members of the public are advised to remain calm and security conscious, especially during the yuletide season.
“The public is also urged to be on the lookout for teenagers with suspicious looks.
“It is advised to avoid crowded places and maintain extra vigilance at religious places, especially churches, during the yuletide.
“Citizens are urged to promptly report any suspicious persons or activities to the nearest security post.
“OPHK commiserates with the families of the deceased and assures the public of its continued commitment to safeguarding lives and property.”
Northern governors, ACF condemn attack
The Northern Governors’ Forum also condemned the suicide attack, describing it as barbaric, dastardly and cowardly.
Chairman of the Forum and Governor of Gombe State, Inuwa Yahaya, in a statement, said targeting a place of worship was a grave violation of human conscience and religious sanctity.
He called for enhanced security around places of worship and public spaces, especially during festive periods.
Similarly, the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) described the bombing as sad and deeply troubling, noting that it was a painful reminder that terrorism had not been fully tamed.
“It is utterly inconceivable and totally unacceptable that criminal elements would be allowed to bring the country to its knees,” the ACF said.
It called for heightened vigilance at places of congregation.
PDP urges tightened security
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) urged the Federal and state governments to take immediate and practical steps to protect citizens.
The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Ini Ememobong, described the incident as totally unacceptable.
“We commiserate with the families of those who have lost their loved ones in this senseless attack.
“No one should lose their life while worshipping God.
“If these attacks on places of worship continue unchecked, they will not only violate the constitutional right of Nigerians to freely worship but will also create an atmosphere of fear that threatens the very fabric of our religious society,” the party said.
