Zulum Visits Pastor Bitrus Whose Son Died During Borno Church Demolition [Photos]
Babagana Zulum, the Governor of Borno State, paid a visit to Pastor Bitrus Tumba on Wednesday, whose son, Ezekiel Bitrus, was killed during the demolition of EYN Church.
On August 5, 2021, violence erupted between security personnel from the Borno Geographic Information Service (BOGIS) and worshipers.
The delegation was taken to the Ekklesiyar Yan’uwa Nigeria (EYN) branch in the Maduganari region of Maiduguri by Adam Bababe, BOGIS Executive Secretary.
Zulum was greeted by his family and members of the Christians Association of Nigeria (CAN), led by Bishop Mohammed Naga, the organization’s chairman.
On the day of the tragedy, he dispatched his deputy, Umar Kadafur, to meet with the victims and ordered the police to begin an investigation.
In his statements, the governor confirmed the arrests of suspects and stated that he had intentionally postponed his visit due to the unrest 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 today, weeks after that very unfortunate and painful incident, is proof that we have not forgotten the issue.
“Suspects have been quietly arrested and all those involved in that dastardly act are being detained and God willing, they will face justice, as soon as the Police completes investigation and make appropriate recommendations.
“We shall do justice to the matter without fear or favour. We share your pains. No exercise of government is ever aimed to cause injury let alone the death of any citizen.
“Every person in Borno has equal rights and we have a duty to protect those rights. We are pained by what happened. Please accept our deepest condolences”, he said.
Zulum was accompanied by his Chief of Staff, Prof. Isa Marte Hussaini, as well as a Christian community commissioner.
Pastor Bitrus Tumba expressed gratitude to the Borno governor for his visit, saying that Ezekiel’s death was a work of God.
Photos of EYN attendees and other Christians observing worship inside the rubbles went viral after the destruction.
