Borno State governor, Babagana Zulum, has commended the Chadian president, Idris Derby, for his swift response to the recent terrorists’ attack on the Presidential Palace Complex in Chad.
The attack carried out by terrorists on Wednesday, January 8, was foiled by the Chadian Armed Forces, and President Derby was unharmed.
In a statement by the commissioner for Information and Internal Security, Prof Usman Tar, Gov Zulum expressed his relief and admiration for the Chadian president’s effective handling of the situation.
“It gladdens my heart to note that President Derby was unharmed and the violent attack on the Presidential Palace was foiled with the speed of light,” he said.
He emphasised the importance of Chad’s peace and security to Borno State.
“The peace and security of Chad is crucial for our fragile peace in Borno, due to our contingent boundary with Chad,” the governor added.
Zulum also acknowledged the generosity of the Chadian government towards Nigerian refugees.
“We are indebted to President Derby and his government for all they have done to grant a safe haven for our people in accordance with the Kampala Convention,” he said.
According to him, since 2014, thousands of Borno citizens have been granted refugee status in Bagasola, Chad, and have been treated with dignity and honour.
Governor Zulum reaffirmed the support of the people of Borno for President Derby and his government.
“The people of Borno pray for the peace, unity and prosperity of our neighbours in Chad. We shall continue to pray for the peace, safety, unity and prosperity of Chad under the distinguished leadership of President Derby,” he assured.
Meanwhile, the Inspector General Of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, on Friday ordered actions against attackers of the Nganzai Divisional Police headquarters in Borno State.
It could be recalled that a Thursday attack by Boko Haram terrorists left two police officers dead and one other officer critically injured, as the insurgents exchanged fire with police on duty at the station, before they were eventually overpowered and repelled with the assistance of the Civilian Joint Task Force stationed near the police station.
Responding to the incident which occurred at about 12:10am on Thursday, a statement by the force public relations officer, ACP Olumiyiwa Adejobi, identified the dead two police officers as Inspector Bartholomew Kalawa and Corporal Mustapha Huzaifat.
Adejobi said, Egbetokun condemned the act and ordered an immediate and thorough crackdown on the perpetrators, saying that no cop-killer would go unpunished.
The IGP also expressed deep condolences to the families of the deceased officers, affirming that their sacrifice in the line of duty would not be forgotten.
Egbetokun assured the families that the benefits and entitlements of the fallen officers would be paid immediately.
“The IGP has therefore directed the Zone 15 Assistant Inspector-General of Police, AIG Kenechukwu Onwuemelie, to mobilise adequate resources and personnel, collaborate with other security agencies to ensure the perpetrators of this nefarious act are found and caused to face the full wrath of the law.
“As investigations continue, the IGP reaffirms the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to holding accountable those who jeopardise and disrupt the security arrangement and safety in Nigeria,” the statement added.
