Boko Haram kills 10 in bloody weekend

IN yet another bloody weekend, suspected Boko Haram members have killed 10 persons in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital.

The victims include a local government chairman. Many were injured in three attacks at different places in the city.

Government at the weekend took a major step to stem the activities of the Islamic Fundamentalist Group with President Goodluck Jonathan raising a panel to review the security situation in the country.

The panel may also probe the whereabouts of the N1.8billion released to a former Inspector-General of Police for the installation of CCTV cameras in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and some other cities.

The fear of Boko Haram gripped Abuja last night.

There was an unusual presence of heavy security around the headquarters of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) following the fear of attack by the group.

Attempts to clartify the cause of the security beef up from corporation spokesman Livi Ajuonuma last night were unsuccessful.

The President has, according to sources, ruled out the removal of Inspector-General of Police Hafiz Ringim, the service chiefs and heads of security agencies over the spate of bombings in the North.

The panel is made up of some former National Security Advisers and some past and present officers from the intelligence service.

Although the list of members was kept secret, it was gathered that the panel will operate “covertly”.

It was also learnt that the panel may exchange information and compare notes with intelligence units of some countries since terrorism is a global issue.

Chairman of Ijere Local government Area, Alhaji Mustapha Baale was yesterday shot dead by gunmen believed to be members of the Boko Haram.

He was killed around 3.30pm on his way home on Old Maiduguri Road within his local government area.

Baale, a three-time chairman of the local government, was reappointed to the post barely three weeks ago by Governor Kashim Shetima. He was also a member of the sixth House of Assembly which ended its tenure last month. He contested for a House of Representatives seat but lost.

Chief of Staff to Governor Shetima, Alhaji Abua Kyari described Baale’s killing as unfortunate.

Barely two hours after the killing of the LGA boss, the Boko Haram men struck again at Wulari Police station Mammy market around 5.30 pm yesterday. They reportedly rained bullets and threw a bomb at the people drinking at the market. Five people lay dead after the attack. Many others were injured.

Sunday’s twin attacks were preceded by the killings on Saturday.

Among those killed in the Saturday attacks were two brothers – Isa Umar and Apagu Umar.

In the Sunday attacks at the Mammy market, a father of 10 was among those shot dead. There was also a retired soldier among the wounded.

Head of the Joint Police Military Task Force in Maiduguri, Maj. Gen. Jack Nwachukwu Nwaogbo confirmed the killings.

A source, who spoke in confidence on the presidential action on Boko Haram said: “Contrary to the insinuations that Mr. President’s approach to the security challenges facing the country has been weak, he has been doing a lot.

“A panel has been set up to review the security situation, what has gone wrong, stock-taking of the level of sophistication to cope with the latest challenges facing Nigeria, and how the system can be overhauled for maximum efficiency.

“The panel is mandated to complete its assignment as soon as possible. So, the team should be done in a few weeks. It comprises some former National Security Advisers, crack intelligence chiefs and other security chiefs.”

The source added: “Following reports coming up on the N1.8billion, the President asked the panel to find out if the money was spent, inspect the installed CCTV cameras in the FCT and other cities and review their impact.

“But if nothing was done, the panel is to find out the whereabouts of the money that was approved and released. The panel will speak with all those involved in the project.

“I think the outcome of investigation into the bomb explosion at the Force Headquarters where it was difficult to get the footage of the bomber might have informed a review of the N1.8billion project by the police.

“After the panel has submitted its report, the President will determine whether the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission should step in or not.”

On the alleged plans to remove Ringim, and service chiefs over the Boko Haram menace, the source added: “The President has ruled out such a step because terrorism is a global challenge and it requires a global reaction.

“Jonathan has said he does not want to play to the gallery through mere grandstanding to remove security chiefs. He believes that recourse to bombing by Boko Haram is a challenge to all Nigerians, including himself as the Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces.

“Instead, the President has given these security chiefs a major task to arrest the insurgency and they are on top of the situation.”

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