Borno to press charges in wake of church killing

One person was killed in a encounter between a demolition taskforce of Borno Geographic Systems, (BOGIS), and worshipers at a branch of EYN Church in Maiduguri on August 5.

Borno governor Babagana Zulum says suspects arrested in connection with a fatal shooting in a church in Maiduguri will face prosecution.

Suspects have already been arrested, said the governor during a visit on the family of the deceased.

“Every person in Borno has equal rights and we have a duty to protect the rights of all persons, top of which is the security of lives. We are pained by what happened and we condole you and your family,” he said.

One person was killed in a encounter between a demolition taskforce of Borno Geographic Systems, (BOGIS), and worshipers at a branch of EYN Church in Maiduguri on August 5.

The task force was at the church premises to demolish illegal buildings and violence broke out afterwards.

The governor made the remarks Tuesday during a visit to Pastor Bitrus Tumba whose son, Ezekiel was killed in the incident at his house.

The governor was received by the family and some officials of Christians Association of Nigeria, (CAN), led by the chairman, Bishop Mohammed Naga.

Zulum had on the day of the incident sent Deputy Governor, Umar Usman Kadafur, to meet victims of the incident and met with Christian leaders, led by CAN chairman, Bishop Naga, after which he directed the police to investigate the incident.

He said, “Let me start by apologizing for delaying my visit even though I had sent a delegation to explain this to you. We delayed because of the tension in town. We thought it was not a good time to pay you a visit then. I am here to commiserate with your family over the unfortunate death of our brother, Ezekiel Bitrus. My coming here today, weeks after that very unfortunate and painful incident, is proof that we have not forgotten the issue.”

“Although, I had sent people to you, I was morally and officially duty bound to visit your family. Please accept our deepest condolences.”

Deputy Governor Kadafur and Chief of Staff, Professor Isa Marte Hussaini accompanied the governor.

A statement by Malam Isa Gusau, Special Adviser to the Governor, quoted Pastor Tumba as saying he considered Ezekiel’s death as an act of God which the family accepts in good faith.

Pastor Tumba added that everyone dies in a different way, and God has destined Ezekiel to die from gunshot which no one could have stopped.

“Whatever we do, we cannot bring the dead back to life; as true Christians we have accepted it in good faith. Your Excellency we express our appreciation to you for the visit, I have followed all your efforts on the death of our son, and they show your concern and the fact that you did not forget us, we really appreciate you,” the pastor said.