Vice President Kashim Shettima has condemned the suicide bombing that killed five Muslim worshippers and injured several others at a mosque in Gamboru Market, Maiduguri, Borno State, describing the attack as “a despicable assault on innocent citizens and the peace of the nation.”
The blast occurred on Wednesday evening at about 6:10 p.m. in Gamboru Ward, near the Customs vicinity, while Muslim faithful were gathered for the Maghrib prayer, just hours before the Christmas celebration.
The condemnation was contained in a statement issued on Thursday and signed by Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Office of the Vice President.
According to the statement, Vice President Shettima said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had ordered the immediate intensification of security operations in Borno State following the incident.
He assured that the Federal Government was deploying additional tactical teams to the area to track down and apprehend those responsible for the attack.
“The Federal Government will not tolerate any attempt to undermine the peace and security of our nation. Our security agencies are working around the clock to ensure that the perpetrators of this heinous crime are brought to justice immediately,” he said.
Senator Shettima expressed confidence that the current security architecture would not only apprehend the perpetrators but also unravel the full circumstances surrounding the incident.
“We sympathise with the Government of Borno State, residents, and families who have lost their loved ones in this attack. The Federal Government is confident that those responsible for this despicable act of terrorism will face the full weight of the law,” the Vice President said.
He reaffirmed that the Tinubu administration’s commitment to national security, anchored on constitutional responsibility, remains unwavering.
“Since President Bola Ahmed Tinubu assumed office in 2023, this administration has consistently reaffirmed its unyielding commitment to safeguarding the security, unity, and stability of our nation.
“This commitment remains steadfast under God and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. We will continue to provide our security agencies with all necessary resources and support to decisively defeat terrorism in all its forms,” he added.
The Vice President also said the Federal Government is working closely with state authorities and local security agencies to ensure the protection of vulnerable communities and critical infrastructure across the North East and other regions of the country.
