Zulum visits family of pastor’s son killed in Maiduguri 4 weeks after; family reacts

Borno Gov. Babagana Zulum has visited Pastor Bitrus Tumba whose son, Ezekiel Bitrus, died during the demolition of EYN Church.

His visit on September 1 came weeks after the incident in which violence broke out between security operatives attached to the Borno Geographic Information Service (BOGIS) and worshipers on August 5.

The governor however sent his deputy, Umar Kadafur, to meet the family earlier.

Zulum was received by the family and officials of Christians Association of Nigeria (CAN) led by the chairman, Bishop Mohammed Naga.

“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,” he governor said.

“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.

With Zulum was accompanied by his Chief of Staff, Prof. Isa Marte Hussaini, and a commissioner from the Christian community.

Pastor Bitrus Tumba thanked the Borno helmsman for the visit, adding that he considered Ezekiel’s death as an act of God.