Governor Zulum Visits Pastor whose Son Died during Church Demolition in Maiduguri

(Governor Zulum addressing Pastor Tumba and his wife)

Governor of Borno State, Babagana Zulum, recently paid a condolence visit to the family of Pastor Bitrus Tumba whose son, Ezekiel, died while reacting to a demolition attempt on a branch of EYN Church in Maiduguri.

On August 5, the Borno Geographic System (BOGIS) – a government agency had demolished the church. Members of the church tried to prevent the BOGIS task force and this led to the security men which accompanied the team to use their weapons.

The security men shot five bullets, one of which hit Ezekiel Tumba. Several others were wounded. The sad incident necessitated the Christian community in the state to embark on a protest.

In addition, the Christianity community pressed further their case to the governor lamenting a ‘’persecution of their faith.” Governor Zulum had to send his deputy, Usman Kadafur to console the family of Ezekiel and the Christian community in general.

However, The Punch reported that Zulum made a personal condolence visit to Tumba on Tuesday. He was accompanied by his Chief of Staff, Prof. Isa Hussaini, and one of his commissioners.

The family of the deceased and some executives of Christian Association of Nigeria, led by the association’s chairman, Bishop Mohammed Naga, welcomed the governor.

Before he visited the family of the deceased, Zulum had met with Christian leaders in the state. He also urged the police to look into the incident and give him feedbacks.

While addressing Tumba and others around, Zulum said: “Let me start by apologising for delaying my visit, even though I had sent a delegation to explain this to you. We deliberately delayed because of the tension in 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,” he said.

The governor promised his commitment to ensuring that justice prevails when the Nigerian Police are done with the ongoing investigation. In his words:

“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.”

While reacting to the visit of the governor, Pastor Tumba thanked him for coming over. He also said that Ezekiel’s death is as an act of God, which the family accepts in good faith.