President Muhammadu Buhari has sympathised with those that sustained injuries following the collapse of a pavilion at the massively-attended campaign rally in Maiduguri, Borno.

Tens of party men and women who wanted a vantage view of the speakers at the rally climbed on roofs of the pavilions, one of which came down crashing on other spectators.

A statement by Malam Garba Shehu, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, in Abuja on Monday, stated that the president, who expressed sadness over the incident, prayed for the quick recovery of the affected persons.

President Buhari said: “I am shocked to hear about the many who suffered injury following the tragic incident at the stadium this afternoon in Maiduguri. May Allah heal all those that were injured.

“I understand that the Borno State government, the Red Cross and other aid agencies are taking steps to help affected people. May Allah heal the injured,” he added.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that President Buhari had on Monday launched his re-election bid in Maiduguri and Damaturu, Borno and Yobe states respectively, with a pledge to improve on the gains recorded in the security sector.

The President, who addressed mammoth crowd at both venues, assured the people of the two states that his re-election for a second term would provide him with the opportunity to build on his previous achievements.

According to him, only the people of Borno and Yobe states are in a better position to assess whether there are improvements in the security sector or not.

The president also pledged the commitment of his administration in building a robust economy that would provide employment opportunities for Nigerians. (NAN)