Jonathan Deplores Bama Attack, Warns Boko Haram Not To Take Amnesty Offer For Weakness

President Goodluck Jonathan has deplored Tuesday’s attack by armed terrorists on Bama, in Borno State which claimed scores of lives.

The Special Adviser to the President Media and Publicity; Dr Reuben Abati, in a statement noted that “President Jonathan believes that the continuation of such callous and wanton attacks of innocent Nigerians, government facilities and security formations flies in the face of on-going efforts to establish a workable framework for dialogue and the peaceful resolution of security challenges in Northern Nigeria.”

The President warned that the Federal Government’s consideration of dialogue as an option for the elimination of some current threats to security 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.

Suspected members of Boko Haram raided the north-eastern town of Bama on Tuesday, killing 55 people. The gunmen killed 22 police officers, 14 prison officials, two soldiers and four civilians, while 13 of the group’s members died the spokesman for the Military Joint Task Force (JTF), Sagir Musa claimed.

President Jonathan extended sincere condolences to the families and colleagues of the soldiers, policemen and prison officials who lost their lives in the dastardly attack.

He urged 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.

He also gave the assurance that the 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.

President Jonathan also commiserated with the families of the innocent civilians who were either killed or injured in Tuesday’s attack in Bama.