Shettima Reacts To Boko Haram Claims

Borno State Governor Kashim Shettima has reacted to Boko Haram alleged declaration of an Islamic State in Gwoza area of the state.

The governor’s reaction was contained in a statement he personally wrote on Sunday night, in response to enquiry over the said declaration, a copy obtained by The Nation.

Shettima said he cannot comment on the authenticity of the recent video that was reportedly released by Boko Haram, noting that security experts will look into it.

“I also cannot disclose measures being adopted by security agencies on whatever development in Gwoza or any part of Borno State but I can assure the good people of Borno State and other members of the public that the State Government is actively in touch and supporting security agencies deployed in Borno State in the counter insurgency efforts and insha Allah, the combined efforts will not be in vain,” he said.

The governor also noted that they were studying the situation, assuring that appropriate measures are being put in place by the right authorities, and urge the residents to remain calm and resolute in their support for security operatives.

“The security agencies, I am sure, are in position to analyse the content of the said new video, compare with the facts on ground in Gwoza and brief the Nigerian public as they deem professionally appropriate bearing in mind the national interest and patriotism as well as the overall safety of citizens” he said.

He commended the members of the Nigerian and International media for their firm support for Borno people and its government since the beginning of  insurgency in 2009.

“Even as those of us in the media work tirelessly to disseminate information in the discharge of important duties that aim to protect the fundamental rights of the public to know happenings within and around them, we must at this moment, more than ever before, do our jobs with patriotic support for our country and its security forces as well as our passion for humanity as against those that seek to send humanity into extinction,” Shettima said.

The governor expressed optimism that victory will never go the way ofthe terrorist group because they are against their fellow human beings and their rights to life.

It would be recalled that the dreaded terrorist group Boko Haram on August 24, 2014, released a video claiming they have taken over Gwoza town in Borno State, and that they have declared it an Islamic caliphate.

Meanwhile, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Kenneth Minimah, has said the army would soon launch a massive military offensive to end insurgency in the North-East, in a reaction to the attack on the Mobile Police Training Sc