Attack on my convoy plot to instil fear – Shettima

Borno State Governor Kashim Shettima yesterday said the Tuesday’s attack by the insurgents on his convoy was aimed at attracting local and global media attention in order to sustain propaganda strategy and instil fear in citizens and “gallant troops”.

Shettima, in a statement by his spokesman, Isa Gusau, said though he was still expecting a full security briefing to get accurate information on the attack on his convoy at Gomboru, preliminary report yesterday confirmed the killing of three persons in the incident.

His spokesman, Isa Gusau, in a statement, said: “Governor Kashim Shettima mourns, with the deepest thoughts and heartfelt condolences, the demise of some fellow citizens, brothers, associates and loyal supporters following an unfortunate ambush of some vehicles in his convoy by suspected insurgents on Tuesday evening along the road to Gamboru, headquarters of Ngala local government area.

“The governor will also meet some security heads to review the incident and more importantly, to continue his determined collaboration with all security agencies and volunteers in remaining committed to the ongoing fight against Boko Haram.

“The unfortunate incident will not make the governor have doubt in the capacity of the gallant and patriotic personnel of the Nigerian armed forces who have dedicated their lives fighting for peace and the freedom of Borno people.

“The governor has absolute confidence in the armed forces and given his access to raw updates, he is aware of the successes being recorded by the armed forces despite Tuesday’s and previous attacks by the insurgents. For one success recorded by the insurgents, the armed forces record dozens against them.

“Tuesday’s incident happened while the governor was on his way to Gamboru in continuation of campaigns for the presidential and national assembly elections coming up on Saturday.”