Buhari: Incredible selfishness of looters extended Boko Haram’s ‘reign of terror’

President Muhammadu Buhari has blamed treasury looters for the extension of the “reign of terror” of Boko Haram insurgents.

The president said this on Tuesday at the lunch of the Reviewed National Counter Terrorism Strategy (NACTEST) in Abuja.

Buhari, who was represented by Yemi Osinbajo, vice president Yemi Osinbajo, said: “Sadly because of the disgraceful deed and the wickedness of some in governance and some in high office in the armed forces at the time, funds meant to equip soldiers to continue the fight against terror was embezzled.

“The incredible selfishness caused the nation of thousands of lives, extended the reign of terror and strengthened the enemy.

“In the past few years our nation faced the threat of terrorism characterized by mindless killing of our people, including children. The massacre of the Buni Yadi boys in their hostels at night, the bombing of churches, mosques and market places, the kidnap of the Chibok girls and many others.

“The sheer recklessness of the killings, the shootings and the executions were meant to terrorize and produce maximum fear. To further establish their reign of terror, the insurgents hoisted their terror flags in almost 27 local government areas in the northeast.

“Since May 29, 2015, we have committed ourselves as a government to the absolute defeat of the terrorists and to quicken and emboldened the morale of our armed forces. But like evil, the vestiges of the activities and the warped ideologies still linger.

“Through personal contacts, social media, capture, and intimidation, men, women and even children are induced, persuaded or forced to engage in acts of terrorism.”

The president further noted that his government was working on addressing the challenges being faced by victims of Boko Haram attacks.

“We must work hard to provide opportunity to educate these young men and women who for years have lacked education and the mere chance of doing well. Our social investment programmes are designed to create real opportunities for our young people.

“Today as many as are begin released from captivity, we are faced with serious problem of malnutrition, I have asked the Vice President to chair an inter-ministerial team to quickly review the challenges and work with our development partners and other CSOs to handle this particular problem.”