Governor Ibrahim Gaidam has expressed his deepest condolences and sympathies to the families of victims of the suicide bombing attacks in Damaturu, Yobe State on Wednesday morning in which 18 people lost their lives and 11 others injured.

While praying for the repose of the souls of those killed, the Governor has ordered immediate and free medical care for those who sustained injuries in the attacks.

Already, treatment has commenced for injured victims at the Sani Abatcha Specialist Hospital, Damaturu while three of the 11 injured victims have been referred to the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Dala Kano for further medical care at government expense.

Gaidam has also condemned the Damaturu attacks as cowardly and barbaric.

A statement from Yobe Government House reads inter alia: “The Governor remains confident that despite these barbaric and unjustified suicide attacks, the Boko Haram insurgency will come to an end soon in view of the all-hands-on-deck approach adopted by the Federal Government.

“The Governor commends security agents on the ground in Yobe State for their effort in the general security improvement in the State. He urges them, however, to step up surveillance effort to prevent insurgents and criminals from conducting further attacks.

“His Excellency Governor Gaidam also urges Yobe residents not to relent in their exemplary support to and cooperation with security agents and calls on them to continue to pray to Almighty Allah (SWT) for the full restoration of peace and security”.