Gov. Kashim Shettima of Borno on Friday apologised to residents in the state for the vehicular restriction on Eid day in Maiduguri metropolis.
Shettima gave the apology in Maiduguri through a statement issued by Malam Isa Gusau, his Special Adviser on Communications and Strategy.
The governor also called for renewed prayers to end insurgency, facilitate rebuilding and safe re-settlement of people displaced by Boko Haram insurgents.
“I understand and share the pains of the restriction of vehicular movement on Borno citizens, particularly the elderly, children and women who have to trek to the Eid grounds from their distant homes.
“Vehicular restriction is imposed as part of security measures to prevent any breach that could cause harm on the citizenry.”
He said that festivities were meant for celebrations and was painful when State Security Council imposed ban which subjected citizens to some forms of difficulties.
“Vehicular restrictions are normally imposed as last option after members of the State Security Council exhausted consideration of all other alternatives available to them,” Shettima explained.
The governor, currently in Saudi Arabia for the 2017 Hajj, expressed deep concern over the troubles the elderly citizens, women and children encountered in trekking long distances to worship.
Shettima said that he appreciated the efforts of the military, police, members of Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), vigilance groups and hunters to put an end insurgency in the state.
He said that the security operatives under President Muhammadu Buhari had remained gallant and dedicated in their determination to improve on the security situation in the state.
The governor expressed optimism that subsequent festivities would not require measures that would subject citizens to difficulties.
He also commended the residents for their tolerance, understanding, courage and support to government’s efforts to end the Boko Haram insurgency.
The governor called on the people to support government and security agencies in the counter-insurgency campaign to usher in a new era of enduring peace, social and economic prosperity.
He urged the people to sustain their empathy and support to the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs).
He advised them to remain steadfast in prayers for the success of the ongoing rehabilitation of communities and restoration of means of livelihood to communities ravaged by Boko Haram insurgents.
Shettima also called on displaced persons to support and be hospitable to humanitarian workers providing services at IDPs camps and liberated communities.
“Humanitarian workers are in Borno to help those in need of food, medical attention, shelter and livelihoods in order to share the responsibilities of the Federal and state governments in Nigeria.
“The activities of the humanitarian aid workers are funded by donors who parted with scarce resources after concerted advocacies by humanitarian stakeholders including the United Nations (UN), Nigerian Government, foreign donor countries and the state government.
“While recognising and understanding the trauma faced by displaced persons and challenges of meeting their basic needs, the recent misbehaviour towards humanitarian workers in one of the IDP camps in the state was uncalled for’’.
The governor warned that such unruly behaviour would not be allowed to repeat itself, noting that interventions of government and humanitarian agencies should be regarded as deserved privileges which should be reciprocated with cooperation and mutual respect by displaced persons.
Shettima reiterated his administration commitments to the reconstruction and rehabilitation programme to fast track safe re-settlement of displaced persons and provide means of livelihood to enable them to engage in productive activities.