Vice President Kashim Shettima has strongly condemned the bomb explosion at a mosque in Gamboru Market, Maiduguri, Borno State, which claimed about five lives and left several others injured, describing the attack as a “despicable assault on innocent citizens and the peace of the nation.”
In a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Communications, Stanley Nkwocha, the Vice President said the incident would not weaken Nigeria’s resolve to defeat terrorism and protect its people.
Shettima disclosed that the Federal Government has ordered the deployment of additional tactical security teams to the affected area to track down and apprehend those responsible for the attack.
According to him, the Federal Government is working closely with the Borno State Government and relevant security agencies to strengthen the protection of vulnerable communities and critical infrastructure across the North East and other parts of the country.
“The Federal Government will not tolerate any attempt to undermine the peace and security of our nation,” Shettima said. “Our security agencies are working round the clock to ensure that the perpetrators of this heinous crime are swiftly brought to justice.”
He confirmed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed an immediate intensification of security operations in Borno State following the incident.
Reassuring Nigerians of the administration’s unwavering commitment to national security, the Vice President said the Tinubu-led government remains firmly anchored on its constitutional responsibility to safeguard lives and property. He expressed confidence that the existing security architecture would not only apprehend the perpetrators but also unravel the full circumstances surrounding the attack.
“We sympathise with the Government and people of Borno State, as well as the families who lost their loved ones in this tragic incident,” he said. “The Federal Government is confident that those responsible for this cowardly act of terrorism will face the full weight of the law.”
Shettima further noted that since President Tinubu assumed office in 2023, the administration has consistently reaffirmed its unyielding commitment to preserving the security, unity, and stability of the nation.
“This commitment remains steadfast under God and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he said. “We will continue to provide our security agencies with all the resources and support required to decisively defeat terrorism in all its forms.”
The explosion occurred at about 6:10 p.m. on Wednesday, less than 12 hours before Christmas, as Muslim worshippers were observing the Maghrib prayer at the mosque.
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