Categories: NewsNigeria News

PHOTOS: Zulum Visits Pastor Whose Son Died During Church Demolition In Maiduguri

Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, has paid a condolence visit to the family of Pastor Bitrus Tumba whose son, Ezekiel, died during the public reaction to an attempted demolition of a branch of EYN Church in Maiduguri.

The Government agency, the Borno Geographic System, had demolished the church on August 5, 2021.

Worshippers at the church were alleged to have attempted to stop the BOGIS task force from demolishing their worship centre, but their action was suppressed by security men in the demolition team who fired live bullets that killed Pastor Tumba’s son, Ezekiel, and injured several others.

Late Ezekiel’s bereaved parents, Pastor Bitrus Tumba and wife. Photo: Facebook

The Christian community in the state subsequently took the case up with the governor and staged a protest against what they described as “persecution of their faith.”

Zulum, who had, at the peak of the crisis sent the deputy governor to the family of the deceased to appease them and the entire Christian community in the state, on Tuesday night paid a visit to Pastor Tumba where he was received by the family and some officials of the Christians Association of Nigeria, led by the association’s chairman, Bishop Mohammed Naga.

The governor had apart from sending the deputy governor, Usman Kadafur to the deceased family had also met with Christian leaders in the state, led by CAN chairman, Bishop Naga, after which he directed the police to thoroughly investigate the incident and report to him.

Governor Babagana Zulum and the bereaved parents

According to a statement on Wednesday by the governor’s spokesman, his boss was scheduled to visit Ezekiel’s family on the day of the incident but decided against it in order to allow the tense situation to normalize.

Zulum, addressing his hosts, said: “Let me start by apologizing for delaying my visit, even though I had sent a delegation to explain this to you.

“We deliberately delayed because of the tension in the 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 here today, weeks after that very unfortunate and painful incident, is proof that we have not forgotten the issue.”

Governor Zulum and others during the condolence visit

The governor assured the family of the deceased of his commitment to ensuring justice as soon as the Nigerian Police completes ongoing investigation.

He said: “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 complete investigation and make appropriate recommendations.

“We shall do justice to the matter without fear or favour. We share your pains. No action of government is ever aimed to cause injury, let alone the death of any citizen.”

Zulum was also accompanied by his Chief of Staff, Prof. Isa Hussaini, and one of his commissioners from the Christian community.

Responding on his family’s behalf, Pastor Tumba expressed appreciation to the governor for the visit and said that he considered Ezekiel’s death as an act of God, which the family accepts in good faith.
Source: The Punch
Angela Davies

Recent Posts

PHOTOS: Davido Receives Luxury Car From Auto Firm For 32nd Birthday

Davido has received a luxury car from an auto firm for his 32nd birthday.  …

15 hours ago

VIDEO: How Primate Ayodele Foretold Simon Ekpa’s Arrest In 2023

Simon Ekpa, a Finnish-Nigerian separatist agitator and self-proclaimed Prime Minister of the Biafra Republic Government…

15 hours ago

Speaker Obasa Clarifies Negative Perceptions As Sanwo-Olu Presents 2025 Budget

Accuses detractors of peddling news of alleged governorship ambition.   Speaker of the Lagos State…

15 hours ago

Simon Ekpa, Four Others Arrested In Finland Over Terrorism Activities

Simon Ekpa and four others have been arrested in Finland over terrorism activities.   Glamtush…

19 hours ago

Davido Celebrates 32nd Birthday With ₦300m Donation To Orphanages

Davido is excited to celebrate his 32nd birthday with a ₦300m donation to orphanages.  …

21 hours ago

America Returnee Found Dead In Ogun Hotel

An American returnee has been found dead in an Ogun hotel.   Glamtush reports that…

22 hours ago