UNIMAID ASUU Confirms Five Lecturers Dead, Four Missing

The lecturers’ union of the University of Maiduguri, UNIMAID, has confirmed the death of five lecturers during the recent Boko Haram ambush in Borno state.

Recall that the terrorist group had opened fire of a Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC oil exploration team who were on an oil prospecting mission to the Lake Chad Basin killing several and injuring others.

The ASUU chairman in the university, Danny Manmam, who addressed journalists, said that four lecturers were still missing since the attack.

According to him, the deceased comprise two geologists, two technologists and a driver. The driver, a brother to the university’s vice chancellor was buried on Thursday.

“We were first elated when we heard that the military rescued the victims. But, to our dismay we discovered that they were all killed.

“Our initial hope to see them alive was dashed. The soldiers brought only dead bodies.

“Four other staff are still missing and we are seriously concerned about their safety, we do not know their whereabouts,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Governor of Borno State, Kashim Shettima, has commiserated with the management of NNPC and the victims’ family and loved ones.

“What happened in the first instance was a tragic setback in the fight against Boko Haram and in Nigeria’s effort to expand its economic fortunes,” the governor said in a statement issued to journalists by his spokesperson, Isa Gusau.

“I am deeply pained by this incident especially coming at a time when we were beginning to pick up the pieces of our lives. Even though the attack should never have happened given the successes recorded by the Military and multi-national joint forces since 2015, I nonetheless still deem it necessary to commend the military for re-mobilising and countering the initial gains of the insurgents.

“On behalf of Government and people of Borno State, I mourn and salute the soldiers and our sons in the Civilian JTF who paid the supreme price by giving their lives in this fight. ‎I commiserate with their families and loved ones.

“For now, I am still waiting for full details concerning the ambush by the insurgents and counter attack by the military to fully ascertain number and identity of victims. But pending report to me, I mourn and salute any worker or supportive staff who might have lost his or her life in the course of trying to contribute in boosting Nigeria’s economy through exploration activities in the Chad basin.”