Gov. Zulum condemns Christmas Eve explosion in Borno

By: Bodunrin Kayode

About five people are feared dead yesterday evening as a suicide bomber detonates improvised explosive devices (IEDs) strapped to his body in a Maiduguri mosque in the popular Gamboru market, which is visited by traders from all over the country, including bordering countries.

The deaths, which were as a result of a suicide explosion, occurred at a mosque inside Gomboru Market, where the suspect had sneaked into a mosque, disguised as a faithful during “Magrib prayer.”

Sources within the market community said he was not a regular at the mosque, and they could also not explain how he lined up with the others or how he came to the community unnoticed to cause such a damnation.

As of the time of writing this report, the explosion had left several residents within the market community injured, while the most fatal ones have been rushed to nearby general hospitals for immediate treatment to stop the bleeding, which usually escalates the bleeding.

As of the time of writing this report, the military and police authorities had confirmed that about five people had died from the attack, which caused a lot of people to scamper for safety, causing massive gridlock around the customs area.

Reaction of the military

Reacting to the incident, the military said that about 32 civilians sustained all manner of injuries from the incident.

In a release signed by Lt. Col. Sanni Uba, it went on to state that the incident occurred at about 6pm yesterday at a mosque located within Gamboru Market in Maiduguri Metropolitan Council (MMC), while Muslim faithfuls were observing evening prayers.

“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 2 civilians on the scene.

“Troops, in conjunction with the Nigeria Police Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team, other sister security agencies, the Borno State Government, and NEMA, responded promptly, secured, and cordoned off the affected area to prevent further harm and ensure public safety.

“Casualties were immediately evacuated to the General Hospital and the Teaching Hospital in Maiduguri for prompt medical attention.

“A total of 32 civilians sustained varying degrees of injuries. Regrettably, 2 of the injured civilians were later confirmed dead at the hospital, while 2 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 yelutide period. 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.”

Zulum Condemns Maiduguri Mosque Suicide Attack, Calls for Vigilance in Worship, Public Places

Meanwhile, Governor Babagana Zulum has condemned, in strong terms, the suicide explosion at the Gomboru market mosque in Maiduguri metropolis Wednesday evening.

Governor Zulum, conveying his profound condolences from the frontline in northern Borno through his Special Adviser on Media, Dauda Iliya, called for increased vigilance and heightened security measures, particularly in places of worship during the festive period.

“I am deeply saddened by the Gamboru mosque suicide attack, which occurred on Wednesday evening when worshippers were performing Maghrib prayer, killing 5 people and injuring 35 others. The act is utterly condemnable, barbaric, and inhumane.

“Attacking a place of worship is a desecration of the sanctity of the mosque at a time when Muslim faithful are performing acts of worship.

“I wish to express my condolences to the families of all those that lost their lives in the attack and pray for the repose of their souls and for the speedy recovery of those injured,” he stated.

The governor further assured that adequate measures have been taken to forestall any security breach during the festive period and beyond.

IEDs have been a major challenge in the 16-year-old insurgency war, which has been fought by Nigeria in the Northeast theater of operation, Hadin Kai.

Meanwhile, residents went about their activities in peace hours after the gridlock was eased between customs and the international route leading to Gamboru Ngala and out of the country.

Gov. Zulum condemns Christmas Eve explosion in Borno

Yuletide: NEMA flags off emergency rescue operation in Gombe

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Gombe State, in collaboration with the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has inaugurated Operation Eagle Eye, to ensure rapid response during the festive periods.

While declaring the operation open in Gombe on Wednesday, the state’s Head of Operations, Mrs. Ummuna Ahmed, said that the initiative was in view of increased road and human activities during the festive season.

Ahmed said that the operation was a strategic initiative designed to enhance timely rescue operations towards saving lives in the event of road traffic crashes, fire outbreaks, and other emergencies.

She reaffirmed NEMA’s commitment to protecting lives and property through effective coordination, early response mechanisms, and the strategic deployment of Search and Rescue personnel.

She appealed to motorists and other road users, to observe traffic regulations, drive responsibly, and cooperate with emergency responders to minimise preventable incidents.

“As part of the operation, NEMA Search and Rescue teams have been strategically deployed along major routes linking Gombe State to neighbouring states.

“These include the Gombe–Bauchi, Gombe–Yola, Gombe–Maiduguri, and Gombe–Kano corridors.

“The routes were identified based on their high traffic volume and strategic importance, with emergency personnel and assets, positioned to ensure swift intervention and life saving support whenever the need arises,” she said.

Ahmed urged members of the public to promptly report emergencies through appropriate channels to enable timely response.

She expressed NEMA’s readiness to respond promptly to emergencies, in collaboration with relevant stakeholders to ensure the success of Operation Eagle Eye.

On his part, the Sector Commander of FRSC in the state, Mr Samson Kaura, said that motorists would be sensitised on the need to observe traffic rules and regulations during and after the yuletide celebration.

Kaura said that the collaboration with NEMA was to ensure quick response to emergencies towards saving lives and property in cases of crash.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that following the inauguration, two emergency incidents were recorded at the Bauchi road axis of Gombe State, involving a total of seven casualties.

No deaths were however recorded.

The victims were promptly rescued and evacuated to the Federal Teaching Hospital, Gombe, for medical attention. recorded.

Yuletide: NEMA flags off emergency rescue operation in Gombe

Damasak: Zulum Approves 30% Review of Health Workers Allowances

…Directs the Rehabilitation of Dilapidated Public Structures

By: Our Reporter

Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has approved an immediate increase in the rural allowance for health personnel at General Hospital Damasak, from 12% to 30%.

The Governor announced the measure on Wednesday during an inspection visit to the hospital as part of his ongoing security and resilience-building tour of Northern Borno. The visit included an interactive session with health workers, where he listened to their operational challenges.

“I have listened to all your concerns,” Governor Zulum stated. “Let me at this moment announce the immediate increase of rural allowance for all health personnel in General Hospital Damasak from 12% to 30%. This is to motivate the workers and ensure retention of frontline health workers in hard-to-reach areas.”

In addition to the increase in allowance, Governor Zulum directed the employment of additional laboratory staff to strengthen diagnostic services. He also confirmed that health workers currently engaged by non-governmental organisations would be automatically absorbed into the state civil service upon the expiration of their contracts.

Furthermore, the Governor approved the automatic employment of all 30 volunteer health workers at the facility into the state health system. “I further directed that they be enrolled in government-supported training and capacity-building programmes to enhance their professional skills,” he said, also presenting each volunteer with a cash support of ₦50,000 in appreciation of their frontline service.

The Governor equally approved the immediate provision of a 120KVA generator to ensure uninterrupted power supply, the deployment of an ambulance to enhance emergency response, and the renovation of staff quarters.

He stressed that his vision is to deliver quality, affordable, and reliable healthcare to every community. He emphasised that “health is wealth” and remains a cornerstone of sustainable development in Borno State.

…Directs the Rehabilitation of Dilapidated Public Structures

Prior to the hospital visit, Governor Zulum conducted an early-morning inspection of key public institutions in Damasak, including the Central Primary School, a newly completed Mega High Islamic School, a 20-unit housing estate, and an Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp, where he directed the immediate renovation of dilapidated buildings.

“The visit was to enable my administration to take immediate and informed decisions on renovation,” the Governor said, stressing that “no child should be forced to learn in an unsafe or unconducive environment.”

He added: “I want to reassure the IDPs of continued government support. Improving the living conditions for displaced families remains a moral obligation and a key pillar of my administration’s recovery and resettlement agenda.”

Upon his arrival in Damasak on Tuesday, Governor Zulum visited troops of the 5 Brigade Nigerian Army who was received by the Brigade Commander, Brigadier General R. O. Agbi, where he paid tribute to their service. He praised what he described as their “exceptional doggedness and gallantry” in safeguarding lives and communities, reaffirming that security remains the cornerstone of his administration’s agenda for peace and development.

Damasak: Zulum Approves 30% Review of Health Workers Allowances