Mastermind of Saturday’s assault on a United Nations (UN) helicopter close to Damasak, Borno State, will pay dearly for it, President Muhammadu Buhari vowed on Sunday.
The President stated the federal government will avenge the assault during which two individuals, together with a five-year-old, killed. The assault attributed to insurgents.
In line with a report by the UN, one of its Humanitarian Air Service helicopter shot at by the Boko Haram terror group on Saturday.
In an announcement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Mallam Garba Shehu, the President described the assault as cowardly, vowing that it would be repaid with a heavy consequence.
Condemning the incident, the President mentioned the newest act by the terror group carried out to camouflage its dwindling strength, assuring both the international community, in addition to Nigerians, that safety of lives and property remained his administration’s prime priority.
In the reaction, President Buhari condemned “the dastardly attack on UN aid helicopter in the Northeast on Saturday by the Boko Haram terrorists.”
The statement reads: “This latest cowardly attack on the UN humanitarian helicopter is yet another desperate rear guard action by the Boko Haram terrorists who have been under intense pressure from the Nigerian military.
“Let me reassure the international community and Nigerians that this latest cowardly attack on a UN helicopter which claimed the lives of two people, including a five year old baby, would not go without severe consequences.
“Boko Haram terrorists are clearly on the back foot and their increasing attacks on innocent civilians, including UN humanitarian workers, was part of their desperation to prove that they are strong in order to cover up their dwindling fortunes.
“The security of foreigners and Nigerians remain the top priority of this administration, and we shall leave no stone unturned until we eliminate these remorseless enemies of humanity.”
The President additionally underscored the necessity for all humanitarian and other aid workers within the area to, always, correctly coordinate movements – air or land, with the Theatre Commander and other military authorities.
