Musdapha Ilo, Maiduguri

The former governor of Borno State, Ali Modu Sheriff, has alleged that the explosion which rocked the city of Maiduguri on Tuesday during the Eid-el-malud celebration was targeted at him.

Speaking through an aide and  chairman of his campaign organisation in Borno State, Bako Bunu, the former governor said the fact that his property at the old UTC was attacked in a protest that followed the explosion was a clear indication that he was the prime target.

It would be recalled that irate youths in the state had pelted both Sheriff and the present governor, Kashim Shettima, with stones at different times, to show their displeasure with the leaders.

Bung also noted that the fact that there had been no bomb incident in Maiduguri for the past 11 months until the former governor visited, gives the impression that the act was a calculated move to frustrate his stay.

“It is sad that vehicles bearing Ali Sheriff’s posters were either vandalized or burnt which further points to the fact that Sheriff was the actual target,” Bunu added.

He said Sheriff had become a target of some “desperate” politicians taking advantage of the current insecurity in the state as a result of his growing political relevance.

“We are aware that the Boko Haram incident was used as an alibi for some people to perpetrate mayhem and distract the attention of the security operatives. We consider it even childish that highly placed government officials can condescend so low as to instigate thugs against their leaders,” Bunu stated.

Meanwhile, Governor Shettima, has condemned the  blast and has directed security agencies to carry out full scale investigation into the sad event.

The governor also condemned the uprisings in the last three days in the state capital which he described as unfortunate even though avoidable.

He also directed the ministry of health in the state to ensure that all injured persons received proper medical attention as the cost would be borne by the state.

The bombing which took place at the popular GSM Market near the Post Office area in Maiduguri, is said to have left at least 30 persons dead and about 50 others injured.