He also expressed his condolences to the families of Nigerians who lost their lives in the recent bombing in Tudun Biri, Kaduna State, saying that most of the victims tragically lost their lives while reciting the Shadada as they observed Maulud, a central statement of faith for practicing Muslims.
This was as he affirmed that his administration would continue to cater to survivors devastated by the insecurity in the North East.
Tinubu stated this at the palace of the Shehu of Borno, Abubakar El-Kanemi, in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital.
Widespread outrage followed the mistargeted bombing of Tudun Biri in the Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State by the Nigerian Army on December 3, which left no fewer than 120 locals dead.
Residents of the affected communities said they were celebrating Maulud, an Islamic event, when the military dropped bombs, an incident that has attracted local and international condemnation.
Tinibu’s comments came about a week after he described the accidental bombing as “very unfortunate, disturbing, and painful,” expressing grief over the loss of lives.
In Maiduguri, he said, “They were Nigerians of profound faith and in the moment of the tragedy, they were reciting the Shadada.
“God Almighty comforts their families as their nation grieves their passage into glory. May their souls rest in eternal peace.”
In a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, Tinubu pledged that the Federal Government will continue to do “all within its powers to provide support and care to the families of all Nigerians affected by the remnants of insecurity in parts of Borno State.”
According to the statement titled ‘Borno visit: President Tinubu grieves over Kaduna bomb victims at Shehu’s Palace,’ the Nigerian leader declared that under his watch, security issues would remain a priority, but not limited only to battlefield concerns.
He declared, “This is my most sacred responsibility and the trajectory of the larger effort shown by the ratio of victory over defeat has been sliding well in our favour since the new administration has resumed office.
“We are not satisfied yet. We are not satisfied until we reach the end of insecurity in Nigeria. We will provide better amenities and benefits to our gallant armed forces and their families. We are committed to this and this is factored into the 2024 budget.
“We will ensure that our administration reflects the grateful heart of the Nigerian people in the way we treat those who make the ultimate sacrifices on our behalf,” the President affirmed.
Speaking earlier, the Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Zulum, acknowledged the steady improvement in collaboration between the security agencies and the Borno State Government.
He stated, “We have seen the close working relationship between our state and the security agencies. The results speak for themselves.
“We remain committed to the achievement of the Renewed Hope Agenda in the fight against insecurity anywhere it exists in Nigeria.
“We thank you for your leadership, Mr. President. We will continue to give all required support to the Nigerian Armed Forces.”
On his part, the Shehu of Borno urged the President to deliver his infrastructural interventions to areas hard-hit by insurgency.
“We seek the revival of the Lake Chad Commission to provide succour to the large communities in Lake Chad’s surrounding areas.
“We seek power projects and job creation initiatives for our unemployed youths. Governor Zulum has been performing beyond what is humanly possible, but his resources are limited. Please assist him,” said the monarch.
Responding, Tinubu commended the Shehu for supporting the government of Borno State and the FG in maintaining peace and stability in the region.
Therefore, he promised to enhance the active involvement of traditional institutions in ensuring stability at the grassroots level across the country.
