Borno Governor Zulum Pledges to Cover Medical Bills for 110 Boko Haram Bomb Victims
Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State has made a significant commitment to settle the hospital bills for 110 victims who sustained injuries in recent Boko Haram bomb explosions across four locations within the Maiduguri metropolis. The victims suffered various degrees of fractures and severe burns during the attacks, highlighting the devastating impact of the insurgency on local communities.
Governor's Visit and Assurance to Residents
Governor Zulum announced this pledge on Thursday night during visits to patients at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH) and the State Specialist Hospital in Maiduguri. He described the attacks as "a sad disaster that will not occur again" and assured residents that the worst days of the insurgency are over. The governor, who was performing the lesser hajj in Saudi Arabia when the attacks occurred, reiterated his administration's unwavering commitment to preventing the state from relapsing into insecurity.
"By God's grace, the state will not fall into the hands of Boko Haram again. I sympathise with the families of those who lost their lives and assure them of government support," Zulum stated. He emphasized that beyond protecting lives and property, the state government would take full responsibility for the treatment of all victims currently receiving care in the two hospitals, while also praying for the repose of those who died.
Commendation for Federal Support and Security Efforts
Governor Zulum commended Vice President Kashim Shettima, who represented President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during a visit to the victims, describing the gesture as a demonstration of committed leadership. He further praised the service chiefs for their visit to the state and their efforts to restore peace, urging residents to remain calm as both federal and state governments intensify efforts to tackle insecurity.
Casualty Update from Hospital Officials
Providing an update on the casualties, Dr. Bukar Bunu, Director of the UMTH Trauma Centre, reported that the hospital received a total of 110 patients from the blasts. According to him, 22 victims were brought in dead, while six others died later. He added that 82 patients were admitted, with 32 successfully treated and discharged, while 50 remain hospitalised and are receiving further treatment.
Accompanying Officials During the Visit
Governor Zulum was accompanied on the visit by a delegation of senior officials, including the APC Deputy National Chairman, Hon. Ali Bukar Dalori; Senators Mohammed Ali Ndume and Kaka Shehu Lawan (SAN); members of the House of Representatives, Hon. Bukar Talba and Hon. Abdulkadir Rahis; as well as members of the state executive council and other senior government officials, underscoring the collective response to the crisis.
