Buratai: Killer herdsmen may have links with Boko Haram

Tukur Buratai, chief of army sta‎ff, says violent herdsmen ravaging some parts of the country may have links with Boko Haram insurgents.

Buratai, who spoke during a courtesy call on Ibikunle Amosun, governor of Ogun state, said the army was investigating the activities of the violent herdsmen.

He identified timely information on the nefarious activities of the group as one of the best ways to tackle them, saying Nigerians must be security conscious at all times.

“We want to call on all Nigerians to be security conscious and to report any suspicious persons or group of people that are roaming about in their communities,” he said.

“One may not be too far from the fact that some of these herdsmen that are attacking communities across the country may have some affiliation with the Boko Haram terrorists.

“This we are further investigating and also pursuing them so that we can address the situation, so let’s be security conscious. Report movement of suspicious persons carrying arms; if you suspect any individual within your community, report them immediately.

“Timely information is very important. We have our troops deployed in certain areas and I believe the police are working with them to be able to tackle any challenge that comes.”

Amosun commended the army for restoring peace in the north-east.

“We want to commend their effort because we know what Boko Haram turned Nigeria into before now… Their efforts have restored sanity.

“The Nigerian army has shown us that they are more than capable by bringing back the dignity of the country.”