Eid-el-Kabir: Shettima speaks from Makkah, begs Borno residents over restriction

Borno State Governor, Kashim Shettima says he shares the pains of citizens, particularly the elderly, children and women who had to trek to Eid grounds from their distant homes as a result of vehicular restriction imposed as part of security measures to prevent any breach that could cause harm on any citizen.

His empathy was contained in his Sallah message signed by his Special Adviser on Communications and Strategy, Malam Isa Gusau.

Shettima, currently in Makkah leading Borno’s pilgrims as the 2017 Ameerul Hajj, said whereas festivities were meant for celebrations, he was mostly pained whenever assessment by the State security Council warrants taking measures that would subject citizens to any form of difficulties.

The Governor explained that vehicular restrictions are normally imposed as last option after members of the State Security Council exhaust consideration of all other alternatives available to them.

Shettima, however, said security agencies of the Federal Government under President Muhammadu Buhari with the support of youth volunteers, vigilantes and hunters being funded by the Borno State Government had remained gallant and dedicated in their determination to bring the security situation in the State to an end.

Shettima called on residents to renew their faith in their firm believe that the security challenges faced by the State “will insha’Allah come to an end very soon and the emerging peace being witnessed by the State will endure with social and economic prosperity”.

The Governor appealed to residents to sustain their demonstration of empathy and support for internally displaced persons while he urged them to remain steadfast in their prayers and support for the continued success of his administration’s ongoing rebuilding of communities and restoration of livelihoods (destroyed by Boko Haram insurgents across the State) towards the safe and dignified re-settlement of displaced persons.

He also called on residents, especially internally displaced persons to support and be hospitable to humanitarian workers from within and outside Nigeria, reminding that humanitarian workers are in Borno to help those in need of food, medical attention, shelters and livelihoods in order to share the responsibilities of federal and state governments.