BEVERLY HILLS, CA, October 15, (THEWILL) – Borno State governor, Alhaji Kashim Shettima, on Tuesday called on Muslims and all Nigerians to use the Eid El Kabir celebration to pray for the return of peace to troubled states of the North currently being plagued by Boko Haram.
Shettima, who hosted senior government officials and some residents to a Sallah breakfast in Maiduguri, said the nation needs more prayers, especially with race toward 2015 elections.
“People should keep praying for enduring peace and continually work for peace because all these apprehensions about 2015 are unnecessary. I believe 2015 should be a peaceful transition.
“Power belongs to God and the 2015 elections should not be taken as do-or-die affair. We should abide by the tenet and values of democracy, support whoever become the president of this country and governor of Borno in 2015 because this country is greater than anybody; it is greater than APC or PDP and we must make sure we nurture it and do not allow it to break up,” he said.
He expressed happiness that the massive turn out of Muslims faithful for this year Sallah at various praying grounds in the state was a sign that peace is returning to Borno.
“Peace is gradually coming to Borno and no matter what we have experienced in the past, the light of Borno will shine again,” he said, urging the people to pray continually to have more peaceful Muslim festival next year.
Shettima also commended the effort of security operatives in ensuring a violence-free Sallah despite the plan by the insurgents to wreak havoc during the celebration.
He praised the security forces for maintaining and sustaining peace in the state, saying the Civilian JTF has done much to curtail the activities of the insurgents.
“We commend these young men for sacrificing their lives for many of us to enjoy our peace. Many of them were killed in the course of this activity but government will continue to support them in their efforts,” he said.
He disclosed that he would be away in China and Vietnam for about 10 days on official visit to have discussion on agricultural technologies of the two nations which he said would be needed by Borno State.
A statement by the acting Public Relations Officer of the 7 Division of the Nigerian Army Maiduguri, Captain Aliyu Ibrahim Danja, had confirmed the frustration of the plan by the insurgents.
“Troops of 7 Division Nigerian Army has foiled yet another attack by Boko Haram terrorists aimed at inflicting havoc on Borno State prior to Sallah festivities.
“The terrorists whom are of unknown strength attempted coordinated simultaneous attacks on Bama, Gwoza and Pulka towns in Borno State on the night of Sunday 13 October 2013. Soldiers of 7 Division in anticipation however, successfully repelled all the attacks killing 40 terrorists in the three locations while several others escaped with gunshot wounds,” the statement said.
It also disclosed that the soldiers destroyed a pickup vehicle loaded with Improvised Explosive Devices (IED) meant for destruction of Bama town during the encounter.
Danja said in a related coordinated attack by the Nigerian Air Force in collaboration with ground troops, the Boko Haram insurgents and their allies were successfully neutralised at the Kilani area.
“The Eid-El Kabir prayers were conducted safely by the Muslim faithful in Borno State amid tight security provided by the Division. The General Officer Commanding 7 Division Nigerian Army, Maj Gen Obidah Tahau Ethan, in his felicitation, urged Muslim faithful within Borno State to continue to pray for peaceful coexistence in Borno State and the country at large, ” he said.
