Chants of BAMASO, BAMAYI, which means “we don’t want, we’re not interested” were heard yesterday, 13th February, as the presidential convoy of President Muhammadu Buhari speeds from the Maiduguri International Airport towards the center of the city.
President Buhari, who was returning from a five day trip to Ethiopia for an African Union Summit, paid a condolence visit to Borno state following a Book Haram attack on Sunday, 9th February 2019.
The insurgent invaded Auno, a village 20kilometers to Maiduguri, and burnt an estimated number of 30 people to death, including children and women.
There have been sustained attacks by the insurgents in Borno, the Northeastern state. Two weeks ago, two persons were slaughtered by Boko Haram. On 6th January, Boko Haram attacked Gamboru in the state, killing no fewer than 30 persons when an explosive device exploded on a bridge.
Governor Babagana Zulum, the Governor of Borno state, had, however, repeatedly appealed to the military to establish their unit in Auno owing to the continuous attacks.
“ We have to be brutal in telling the truth. I am pushed to the wall to say the truth. Since I was inaugurated as governor of Borno state, Boko Haram has attacked Auno six times” The governor said.
Borno state is a major stronghold of President Buhari, having polled over 85% of casted votes during the presidential election. (836496 votes of 955205 of casted votes.)
However, some residents had expressed dissatisfaction with the sustained and continuous attacks on the state by the insurgents.
Buhari who failed to visit Auno, the community of the Sunday attack, has however promised to deploy “harder”, “vigorous” strategies against Boko Haram terrorist, while also urging the people to cooperate with security agencies.
*Emmanuel AC*