The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has blasted terrorists who on Thursday afternoon attacked Biu Market in Borno State, killing at least eight innocent people. ACF in a statement issued yesterday in Kaduna by its National Publicity Secretary Muhammad Ibrahim described the suicide bomb attack as “shocking and unbelievable.”

“It was wicked, barbaric, gruesome and condemnable considering the innocent people killed and injured by the suicide bombers. Equally disturbing was the arrest of other two female bombers who wanted to carry out another dastardly bomb blast. But for the vigilant effort of the security agencies and the civilian Joint Task Force (JTF), it would have been another disaster,” ACF said.

It noted that Biu Emirate has enjoyed relative peace compared to the other local government areas of Borno State “largely due to efforts of the military and the Civilian JTF that have maintained joint operations and shared intelligence to repel many attempted attacks on Biu town.” ACF commended the joint cooperation between the military and the community and urged them to sustain such relationship.

“It is really disturbing that despite the security measures being deployed by the Government, the situation in Borno state where up to ten local government areas are still under the control of the Boko Haram insurgents is worrisome,” ACF stated. It called on the security agencies to intensify their onslaught on the insurgents and also continue to share intelligence with the community.

“ACF extends its condolence to the Emir and people of Biu, the families of those killed and sympathy to those injured in the unfortunate suicide bomb incident and calls the Borno State government to provide prompt medical treatment to the injured,” the statement said, adding: “Once again, we call upon the Boko Haram insurgents to embrace dialogue as the only civilised way to address their grievances rather than killing innocent souls. ACF equally calls on Nigerians to be more vigilant and security conscious.”

•File photo shows scene of a terrorist bomb attack.

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