Borno State governor, Kashim Shettima has described the attack by Boko Haram insurgents on an oil exploration team as shocking.

In a statement by his Special Adviser on Communication and Strategy, Mallam Isa Gusau on Thursday, Shettima said the attack was a setback in the fight against the terrorist group.

He said, “I haven’t been my normal self since I received information of that attack. 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.

“I am deeply pained by this incident especially coming at a time when we were beginning to pick up the pieces of our lives.”

He added, “Even though the attack should never have happened given the successes recorded by the military and the 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 the 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.”

Azeez