Army: Parents donate their children to Boko Haram for suicide bombing

The Nigeria army says some parents in the north-east donate their children to Boko Haram for suicide bombing.

The army appealed to traditional and religious leaders in the region to dissuade parents from doing so.

In a statement issued on Saturday night, Sani Usman, army spokesman, said this revelation was made by intercepted female suicide bombers during interrogation.

“The Nigerian army wishes to appeal to religious, traditional and community leaders, as well as all well-meaning Nigerians especially in the north-east of our country, to help dissuade people from donating their daughters or wards, to Boko Haram terrorists for indoctrination and suicide bombing missions,” he said.

“This appeal became expedient in view of recent revelations by some intercepted female suicide bombers during interrogations.

“It was discovered that most of these hapless minors were donated to the terrorists sect by their heartless and misguided parents and guardians, as part of their contribution to the perpetuation of the Boko Haram terrorists’ dastardly acts against the Nigerian society and humanity.

“The acts of these parents and guardians are not only barbaric, but condemnable and unacceptable. Nigerians have a responsibility and obligation to collectively mould our children and wards and define a better future for them rather than condemning them to death by the criminal Boko Haram terrorists and their sympathisers through suicide bombings.”

Usman also conveyed the request of the army that citizens “be more vigilant, security conscious and report any suspicious persons or those whose daughters or female wards are missing or have not been seen recently. You can report by calling 193 on any network”.

“The public is also please reminded that the Nigerian army’s offer and reward of the sum of N500,000 to anybody that brought information about suicide bombing, is still available,” he added.