From Mustapha Isah Kwaru, Maiduguri.
Following Monday’s renewed attacks by Boko Haram insurgents in some parts of Borno state, Governor, Kashim Shettima yesterday abruptly returned to Nigeria from a foreign trip.
Governor Shettima cut short his official trip to Sudan and the United Kingdom where he was scheduled for assessment meetings with school authorities and over 70 students recently sponsored by the government for medicine and Petroleum Geo-Sciences.
A statement issued by Shettima’s media associate, Isa Umar Gusau indicated that the governor returned and held crucial meetings in Abuja in connection with happenings in Bama and rest of the state.
“Shettima returned mainly to provide needed leadership, be with his people, build public confidence, coordinate relief for victims and step up co-funding, psychological support for military”, said the statement.
The statement also hinted that the governor approved the formation and release of funds to a committee set up to coordinate distribution of relief and management of victims.
“The governor was scheduled to leave for Maiduguri on Wednesday evening from Abuja despite some fears held by residents about planned attacks on the ancient city by the Boko Haram insurgents who had never hidden their desperation to hit the capital in retaliation for their forceful eviction by soldiers and citizen-volunteers in 2013.
The military has imposed a curfew in Maiduguri, in response to the planned attack while the State Deputy Governor, Zannah Umar Mustapha had on Tuesday reaffirmed government’s commitment towards the safety of citizens.
Never miss a moment! Get the stories shaping Nigeria, delivered straight to your phone. Follow Peoplesdaily Newspaper on WhatsApp for breaking news, exclusive reports, and the headlines everyone will be talking about, before anyone else.
