A victim of the Potiskum suicide bomb attack
| credits: Photo: Kayode Idowu
| credits: Photo: Kayode Idowu
The state Governor, Ibrahim Gaidam, who said the attack had left him heartbroken, closed all public schools in the town pending improved security situation.
He added that he lacked enough words to describe the incident, but challenged Jonathan to come out and explain to all Nigerians, especially those from the North-East what had been achieved through emergency rule in Yobe, Borno and Adamawa states.
The governor, in a statement by his spokesman, Abdullahi Bego, said, “This (Monday) morning, our state woke up to a very sad and heart-breaking news of a bomb attack on our young students at the Government Comprehensive School, Potiskum in which no fewer than 35 students were killed and many more injured.
“The governor has noted that this is the fifth time in a little over one year when schools in Yobe State were attacked and students killed.
“He deeply regrets that all of these dastardly attacks took place under a climate of emergency rule declared in Yobe, Borno and Adamawa states by President Jonathan.
“In theory, the emergency rule declaration was a signal that more vigorous steps would be taken to protect lives and property in the affected states and restore peace and security. Unfortunately, these have not been fully the case. Instead of forcing insurgents and criminals to flee; the insurgents are forcing innocent people to flee and making life miserable for everyone.
“Governor Gaidam believes that President Jonathan has a very urgent responsibility to explain to the people of Yobe State and people all across the affected states why murderous and callous insurgent and criminal attacks are still on the rise despite the state of emergency.
“The governor also insists that it was not just enough for the Federal Government to condemn the almost daily rounds of violence. He believes urgent action must be taken right now to restore a fast waning public confidence by doing whatever it takes to stop the escalating violence.
“He has ordered for the immediate closure of all public schools around the Potiskum area until a full review of the situation is undertaken.”
The governor however called on all people to exercise restraint and continue to pray for the intervention of Allah.
The governor directed hospital authorities in Potiskum, Nguru and Azare to provide immediate medical support to victims of the attack free of charge.
