President Muhammadu Buhari has described the Boko Haram terrorist group as a “godless group with no understanding of Islam,” following Monday’s twin bomb attacks at a mosque located inside the University of Maiduguri which led to the death of a professor and three others.
In a message on his social media handle, the President said his “heartfelt condolences go to the University Community, the families of the victims,and the Govt and people of Borno State.”
“Boko Haram is a godless group; with no true understanding of Islam. Their actions are cowardly, and punishable before God and by our laws,”President Buhari added.
He urged Nigerians to “continue to be vigilant in our communities, even as our security agencies combat the remnants of the insurgents and their sponsors,” adding that “Nigeria will triumph over terror!”
Similarly, the Senior Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, in a series of tweets on Monday afternoon noted that Buhari “strongly condemns” the attack and sympathizes with the University community as well as all who were affected.
“The President reassures communities in Borno and others in the Northeastern part of the country that his administration will continue to ensure that terrorism never triumphs over peace-loving Nigerians,” Shehu stated.
Monday’s attack was the first on the University of Maiduguri since the Boko Haram insurgency began over 7 years ago.
It was gathered that one of the people that lost their lives in the attack was Aliyu Mani, a professor of Veterinary Medicine, who was inside the mosque when a 7-year old male suicide bomber detonated a bomb.
Borno State Police Commissioner also confirmed to newsmen that the second suicide bomber was sighted by “a mobile police officer who is on duty(while he) was trying to scale the fence at Gate Five of the university.”
“Suspicious of his movement, the mobile police officer instantly gunned him down and his bomb exploded and killed him instantly,” he said.
A student of the University, Ibrahim Umar, told journalists that the attack has thrown everyone into confusion and brought activities at the school to a stand still.
He said: “As I speak to you now, there is confusion. No movement within and outside the school.
“Those inside are trapped, while those outside cannot go in. Security personnel have taken over strategic places.
“We are really worried, and there are fears that ongoing examination will be rescheduled,” Umar added.