NAN
The Borno Government on Wednesday said that the last Saturday’s attack by Boko Haram insurgents in Izge, Gwoza Local Government Area was not targetted at any religious group.
Gov. Kashim Shettima made this known during a sympathy visit to the Emir of Gwoza, Alhaji Idrissa Timta, in Gwoza.
Shettima said that Nigerians should see the Boko Haram sect as a common enemy rather than a religious group going by its destruction.
“The report on alleged mass killing of Christians in Izge is untrue because Izge is a predominant Muslim community and most of the victims are Muslims.
“What is happening is not an ethnic or religious war. Boko Haram is a clear madness that must be condemned by all Nigerians,’’ he said.
He said the state government would rebuild structures destroyed by the sect despite the state’s meager resources.
“We will make genuine efforts to rebuild the structures destroyed, including places of worship despite our meager resources.
“What has happened to you is a disaster that affects the Borno people, we pray that God will grant the fortitude to those who lost their lives.’’
He said that the government would pay one million naira compensation on a place of worship destroyed during the attack and N200,000 for each family that lost their loves one.
Earlier, Timta commended Shettima for the visit.
“It is a known fact that we suffer problem of Boko Haram attack in our communities on daily basis here.
“We appreciate government’s efforts in assisting the victims, especially the personal efforts of the state governor.
“Gwoza is one of the worst hit areas by the Boko Haram attacks.
“Few months back, they attempted to attack my palace, but it was impossible, so they vent their anger on my farm destroying everything, including the plantations.
“Every day, we live in fears of fresh attacks as individuals get killed now and then. We pray that God will help bring the attacks to an end,’’ Timta said.
He appealed to the Federal Government to explore new security avenues in tackling the Boko Haram attacks.
