- DHQ Talks Tough Says, “fate of the perpetrators of this insecurity will be violent”
By Abiola Olawale
Nigeria’s Defence Head Quarters (DHQ) has described the recent bombings in the Gworza Local Government Area of Borno State as a declaration of war by terrorists in the Northern region of Nigeria.
The DHQ said the suicide bombings in the Borno State area targeted attacks on innocent citizens by terrorists who want to project an image of strength to Nigerians.
A statement issued by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Edward Buba, on Tuesday, described the terror attack in Borno State as comprising multiple Person Bourne Improvised Explosive Device ( PBIED), otherwise known as suicide bombings.
Buba confirmed that the first attack was recorded at about 3: 00 PM, when a female suicide bomber disguised as a beggar, invaded a wedding reception at Mararaba Hausari Street and detonated an improvised explosive device.
He added that at about 5; 00 PM, while efforts were on to stabilise and move casualties of the initial explosion to hospital for further treatment, another female suicide bomber launched the second attack.
Buba said the troops immediately imposed a curfew on the community to get members of the community indoors and prevent further casualties.
However, according to him, while troops and hybrid forces enforced the curfew, a third explosion was recorded.
The statement reads in part: “The third explosion targeted the troops enforcing the curfew. The troops were attacked from behind by a third lady strapped with an IED vest. The blast killed a soldier and two members of hybrid forces.
“The fourth incident was averted when the suspect was identified early enough and she detonated the bomb prematurely whereby she became the only casualty. On the whole, 20 persons were killed while 52 sustained various degrees of injuries and received treatment.”
According to Buba, the armed forces are going to view every life lost as a result of the ongoing conflict, whether civilian or military, as an immense tragedy.
He added that the military would reciprocate the attack, talking tough that the fate of the terrorist that perpetrated the attack would be fatal.
The statement reads further: “The sad loss of lives is a tragedy for the society, community and the nation.
“Accordingly, on behalf of the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen CG MUSA, officers and members of the armed forces, we express our condolences even as we mourn with all who have lost loved ones. We also commiserate with all victims needing healing and recovery.
“Given that we are in a state of war, it must be recognised that this despicable act is a response to recent successes in ongoing military operations. Indeed, our recent operations have decapitated the leadership of the terrorists, depleted their resources, reduced their support base and reduced their influence.
“Citizens must see through the smoke screen of the terrorist. We must realise that the terrorist aims to counter the reports of their weakness and create panic in the general population.
“The military is aware that in this phase of their ending life-cycle, the terrorists are desperate to attract attention, bolster relevancy, mobilise recruits, reduce support for the armed forces and reduce support for the government.
“The fate of the terrorists that perpetrated this insecurity will be violent and short as troops will stop at nothing to take them out of the battlefield.”
