The death toll from the bomb attack in the Gwoza area of Borno State on Saturday has increased to 32, Vice President Kashim Shettima confirmed on Monday. During a condolence visit to the families of the victims in Gwoza, Shettima revealed that the initial count of 31 casualties rose by one as another victim succumbed to injuries.
In a statement by Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Information, Office of the Vice President, Shettima described the incident as tragic. He echoed the words of the late Dele Giwa, stating, “One life lost in cold blood is as gruesome as millions lost in cold blood.”
After meeting and commiserating with the victims at the State Specialist Hospital in Maiduguri, Shettima conveyed the condolences of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to the Borno State government and the people of Gwoza. He reported that 42 individuals were brought to the hospital, with 14 discharged after treatment and 26 still receiving care.
The Vice President, who made a personal donation to the victims, was accompanied by Borno State Acting Governor Umar Usman Kadafur, Babagana Kingibe, Senator Ali Ndume, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security Abubakar Kyari, former Nigerian Ambassador to China Baba Ahmed Jidda, the Director-General of NEMA, and other government officials.
Acting Governor Kadafur, representing Governor Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, expressed sympathy for the victims and assured them of the state's support. He urged the people to accept the incident as an act of God and to remain hopeful for emerging peace in the state. He also mentioned that the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) had transported some victims from Gwoza to Maiduguri for further medical attention and announced a state government donation of N5 million to support the victims.
In response to the attack, the Northern Senators Forum (NSF) pledged to reinforce security measures and ensure swift responses to threats in the region. NSF Chairman Senator Abdulaziz Yaradua (APC-Katsina) commended the efforts of medical teams, rescue workers, and the Nigerian Army, and reiterated the Forum's commitment to seeking justice and preventing future incidents.
The Southern Senators’ Forum also condemned the attacks, calling for a collective and robust response to terrorism in the country. In a statement by Chairman Senator Adetokunbo Abiru, Secretary-General Senator Barinada Mpigi, and Publicity Secretary Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, the Forum emphasized the need for intensified efforts by the Federal Government and security agencies to combat terrorism and ensure the safety of Nigerians.
The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) joined in condemning the bomb attack and called for renewed efforts by the military to eliminate religious extremism, banditry, and insurgency. ACF National Publicity Secretary Prof. Tukur A. Muhammad-Baba expressed sadness over the coordinated suicide bomb attacks, which targeted a wedding party, a funeral, and a hospital, resulting in numerous casualties, including women and children. He noted that the attacks bore the hallmarks of Boko Haram insurgents.
This tragic incident underscores the ongoing security challenges in the region and the need for continued vigilance and proactive measures to protect vulnerable communities.
