NIGERIA’s President Goodluck Jonathan on Wednesday condemned the deadly attacks by “armed terrorists” on the border town of Baga, in Borno State, saying such attack flies in the face of ongoing efforts to establish a workable framework for dialogue and the peaceful resolution of security challenges in Northern Nigeria.
The president also warned that the his government’s consideration of dialogue as an option for the elimination of current security threats in the country should not be seen as a weakening of its resolve and determination to use all the forces at its disposal to “crush all brazen affronts to the powers and sovereignty of the Nigerian nation”.
At least 42 people, including policemen, prison guards, women and children, were killed after persons believed to be religious extremists belonging to the Boko Haram sect raided a federal prison during the on Tuesday assault, killing 14 guards and freeing 105 inmates.
In a statement signed the president’s chief media advisor, Dr. Reuben Abati on Wednesday, Mr. Jonathan expressed his condolences to the families and colleagues of the soldiers, policemen and prison officials who lost their lives in the dastardly attack.
According to the statement by Abati, “the president urges the armed forces and police not to be disheartened or daunted by the loss of their colleagues, but to remain focused and undeterred in discharging their responsibility for the security of lives and property in all parts of Nigeria.”
“Federal Government will continue to give the Armed Forces and Police the fullest possible support to enhance their ability to meet the continuing challenges of terrorism and insurgency” the statement said.