The number of casualties from the Boko Haram attack on the convoy of Dr. Zulum has risen to 30.
According to security agencies, 12 police officers, nine civilians, five soldiers and five members of the civilian, Joint Task Force, a militia supporting the government against Boko Haram, died in the attack.
While 15 people died at the scene of the attack, another 15 died of injuries sustained at the hospital where they were being treated.
Governor Zulum himself escaped the attack by flying ahead of the convoy in a military helicopter. The Governor has been flying by air to the Northern part of Borno since a similar Boko Haram attack on his convoy in June nearly claimed his life.
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The Governor expressed sadness at the loss of lives stemming from the Boko Haram attack saying the terrorists intended to take over the whole of Borno State as it’s caliphate and he wouldn’t let that happen.
Speaking through his spokesperson, Malam Isa Gusau, the Governor said, doing nothing about the situation will endanger the lives of civilians in the state.
Excerpts from his statement read,
Governor Babagana Zulum is saddened by this unfortunate carnage. He shares the grief of the families of these 11 priceless heroes to whom Borno shall remain grateful. The governor prays for the repose of their souls and urges all stakeholders to remain committed to ongoing peacebuilding efforts.
The situation facing us is a tough one but we must choose between doing something which gives us some hope and doing nothing which will leave us more vulnerable to Boko Haram’s ultimate wish to take over Borno and bring it under their sovereign brutal administration.”