TheCable

Babagana Zulum, Borno governor, has paid a visit to Bitrus Tumba, the pastor whose son was killed during the demolition of Ekklesiyar Yan’uwa Nigeria (EYN) church in Maiduguri, the state capital.

Ezekiel Bitrus, the pastor’s son, was among those who protested against the demolition of the church by the Borno Geographic Information Service (BOGIS) in August.

Security operatives attached to BOGIS opened fire on the protesters in an attempt to disperse them but a bullet hit Bitrus.

While visiting the pastor at his home on Tuesday night, Zulum described the death as “unfortunate”.

“Let me start by apologizing for delaying my visit even though I had sent a delegation to explain this to you. We delayed [the visit] because of the tension in town. We thought it was not a good time to pay you a visit then,” the governor said.

“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.”

Zulum said the shooters are in custody and that justice will be served after the police conclude their investigation into the incident.

“So far, 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,” he said.

“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 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.

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

On his part, the pastor thanked the governor for visiting him.

“Whatever we do, we cannot bring the dead back to life; as true Christians we have accepted it in good faith,” Tumba said.

“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.”