President Muhammadu Buhari has vowed that his government would not allow terrorism to triumph over peace-loving Nigerians.
The President, who condemned the terrorist attack at a mosque in the University of Maiduguri, Borno state today, Monday, emphasized the need for Nigerians to remain more vigilant even as the security agencies continue to use all means at their disposal to combat the remnants of insurgents and their sponsors.
He said that the attack on a revered place of worship and Ivory Tower shows that the perpetrators have no true understanding of Islam, and that their despicable acts of terrorism are cowardly, criminal, unjustifiable and punishable before God Almighty and the laws of the land.
The President reassured communities in Borno and others in the North eastern part of the country that his administration will continue to ensure that terrorism never triumphs over peace-loving Nigerians.
He expressed sympathy and heartfelt condolences to the University Community, families of the victims and the government and people of Borno State even as he wished those who were injured in the attack a speedy and full recovery, and comfort for families of the dead.
It was learnt that one of the bomb blasts that killed a professor at the University of Maiduguri was caused by a seven-year-old who stormed a prayer ground as early as 5 am.
Head of media and public relations of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Sani Datti, said that one of the bombers detonated his explosion at a Mosque near Gate 1 of the institution while people were praying.
In the heat of the confusion and while people scampered, the second bomber detonated his own at the Gate 5 end of the university.
He said that 17 injured victims had been evacuated to a hospital adding that so far, four people including the two bombers had been declared dead.
Reports had it that the bombers killed a director of vetenary medicine, Professor Aliyu Mani, and four others while another 15 persons are said to be injured.
Spokesperson of the Borno state police command, Victor Isuku, said the blast happened early in the morning.
Since the beginning of January, 2017, the Boko Haram had consistently launched attacks and killed people including soldiers.
This is raising new fears, especially as the members are now believed to have fled to different parts of the country.
Some of the fleeing Boko Haram members have been caught by security officials in Lagos, Osun and Ogun states. [myad]
