By Nworisa Michael
The Chairman of the Northern States Governors’ Forum and Governor of Gombe State, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, has condemned the deadly explosions that occurred in Maiduguri on Monday evening, describing the attacks as barbaric and a direct assault on innocent civilians.
The blasts reportedly took place almost simultaneously near the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital gate, the Monday Market Roundabout, and the Post Office area of the city, leaving several people feared dead and many others injured.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by his Director-General of Press Affairs at the Gombe Government House, Ismaila Misilli, Governor Yahaya expressed deep sorrow over the tragic incident and extended condolences to the government and people of Borno State, particularly families who lost their loved ones.
He described the explosions as a senseless act of violence aimed at spreading fear and destabilizing the fragile peace in the North-East region.
“This senseless act of violence is reprehensible and a cruel attempt to instill fear while undermining the fragile peace in the North-East. It is an attack on our shared humanity and must be condemned in the strongest terms,” the governor said.
Governor Yahaya also sympathized with victims currently receiving treatment in hospitals and prayed for their speedy recovery. He commended emergency responders and security agencies for their prompt response in managing the situation.
“We stand in solidarity with the victims and commend the courage of our emergency responders and security personnel who acted promptly to contain the situation,” he added.
The governor reaffirmed the commitment of Northern governors to work closely with the Federal Government of Nigeria and security agencies to confront terrorism and criminal activities across the region.
He urged residents to remain calm, vigilant, and law-abiding while cooperating with security agencies by providing credible information that could assist ongoing investigations.
“Now, more than ever, we must unite against forces of terror. Our determination to secure our region is unwavering, and together, we will overcome these cowardly acts,” he said.
Governor Yahaya also called on security agencies to intensify efforts to identify and bring the perpetrators of the attacks to justice without delay.
He concluded by praying for the souls of those who lost their lives in the explosions and for strength for their families to bear the loss.
