By Dauda R Pam, Maiduguri
In a fierce attempt by the Boko Haram criminals to cause mayhem and disrupt normal academic activities in the University of Maiduguri,UNIMAID,Sunday, through a lone suicide bomber,was however bostched by security personnel on duty on the fateful day.
As a result of the failed attempt, the top management committee,TMC,of the ivory tower,has declared the University safe and secured for normal academic activities, particularly, lectures and the on going second semester examinations.
This was contained in a statement issued by, Professor Danjuma Gambo, the Director UNIMAID Radio and Public Relations and made available to newsmen via a WhatsApp platform,Tuesday in Maiduguri, said while additional measures are being taken for the protection of lives and property, parents, guardians and other stakeholders are hereby assured that the University will do everything possible to ensure the safety and security of all staff students on campus.
Professor Gambo said: “After a very long period of relative peace and tranquility, the University of Maiduguri has once again, been brought to public attention following the recent security breach on campus by elements suspected to be insurgents.
“Consequently, the media landscape is replete with reports and analysis of the incident many of which do not reflect the facts on ground.
“For the avoidance of doubt, on Sunday,15th September, 2019 at 21:45 hours, a lone suicide bomber (male, approximately 24 years old) attempted to inflict maximum harm on innocent members of the University Community.
“However, following a hot pursuit by the ever-vigilant security men on duty, the bomber hurriedly entered a disused building at the extreme end of the campus (to the east) and detonated his Improvised Explosive Device (I.E.D.), thereby dying alone.

“Unfortunately, while the building was damaged, a female student sustained a minor injury in an attempt to escape from the general area. She has already been treated and discharged from the University Clinic.”
According to the statement,since the unfortunate incident, the University Management has been receiving messages of sympathy and solidarity from individuals and organisations, particularly His Excellency. Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, the Executive Govemor of Borno State.
“He has already visited the scene of the explosion, commiserated with the community and reiterated the commitment of the State Government to substantially support the University in reinforcing its already existing security arrangements.
“Following a careful review of the situation, the Top Management Committee (TMC) has decided that the campus is safe and secure and that normal academic activities, particularly lectures and the on-going Second Semester Examinations, should be concluded in line with the Senate-approved Calendar of Events.

“Therefore, while additional measures are being taken for the protection of lives and property, parents, guardians and other stakeholders are hereby assured that the University will do everything possible to ensure the safety and security of all staff and students alike on campus.
“Management appreciates the sympathy, solidarity and enormous support of the Federal Government, the Government and people of Borno State, all security agencies and services, community and religious leaders, our great alumni, the media and the entire university Community “, the statement added.
