Progressive Governors’ Forum (PGF), the umbrella body for all Governors elected under of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has expressed its sadness over the attack on Governor Babagana Zulum’s convoy by Boko Haram terrorists in Borno.
The attack on the Zulum’s convoy had resulted in the death no fewer than 30 people, including security operatives and public officials.
Lamenting over the attack on Sunday, the PGF, in a statement titled “Attack on Governor Zulum’s Convoy: PGF Commiserate with the People and Government of Borno State, urged the Federal Government to provide additional support for security agencies working to end the Boko Haram insurgency.
In the statement which was signed by Abubakar Bagudu, the PGF Chairman, the governors noted the aim of the insurgents was to distract the government from restoring peace and normalcy in Borno.
“As Progressive Governors, we are saddened by this dastardly attack, which has resulted in the unfortunate death of precious lives of security personnel and innocent citizens,” the forum noted in the statement.
“We join our brother, Governor Zulum, our leaders in Borno State and all Nigerians to pray for the repose of the souls of all those who lost their lives.
“In this painful period, Nigerians should be strengthened by the determination of Governor Zulum to expedite the peacebuilding process in Borno State and indeed the whole of North-East.
“All Nigerians should rise in support of the laudable initiatives of Borno State Government to return citizens in the State back to normal life. We must rise in support of the people and government of Borno State to end all activities of Boko Haram insurgents, which promote trade and tax administration that fund their heinous activities.
“Clearly, the strategies and tactics currently adopted by Borno State and security agencies are very effective and the attack of Saturday, September 26, 2020 on the two convoys by the Boko Haram insurgents is to distract the government from ensuring that life returns to normal in Borno State.”
The governors further said, “While we commiserate with the Government and people of Borno State, we call on the Federal Government to immediately provide more logistical support to security agencies deployed to Borno State to ensure a speedy return to normal life in Borno State and the whole of North East.
“We, on our part, shall continue to support our colleague, Governor Babagana Umara Zulum. We reaffirm our commitment to support our security agencies to end all activities of Boko Haram in all parts of Nigeria.”
