BY Remi Sulola
Residents of the north-east have expressed joy over the peaceful celebrations during Sallah.
In communities across Borno state, residents expressed delight that Boko Haram was not able to disrupt the festivities.
Shehu Garba, district head of Baga, said this year’s Sallah celebration was one of the most peaceful his community has experienced in recent years.
“It was an enjoyable and peaceful celebration for us as we went about our normal businesses. However, if not for the presence of the Army who kept watch over our community day and night, we were not sure of what would have happened, especially from the Boko Haram boys,” he said.
“Soldiers came to us days before the Sallah to ask for our support by reporting suspicious faces and movements and that they were on ground to foil any attempt by the Boko Haram boys to disrupt our celebrations. Also, true to their words, all went well, and we are very grateful to the Nigerian Army.”
Ali Goni, a tea seller, said for him, this is the most peaceful Sallah celebration he has witnessed in recent times.
He said people stayed out late into the night without fear.
“This year’s Sallah was very nice to all of us. We prayed to Allah to protect and save us from the hands of the bad people, and Allah did it for us. We also thank the soldiers who were patrolling everywhere from morning till night,” he said.
“President Muhammadu Buhari is a good man that has the interest of the masses at heart because there is nothing like peace of mind. You can have plenty to eat and drink, but without peace of mind, everything is useless. So we thank him for providing us with adequate security during the Sallah.”
The Borno State traditional council in its goodwill message to the people during the festivities appreciated the efforts of the Nigerian Army in the restoration of peace in the state and encouraged the hierarchy of the Nigerian Army not to relent in its efforts at ensuring that all citizens are protected at all times.
Chuks Obigwe, a security expert, spoke on how security situation in the north-east could be improved.
“From reports we have gathered from the theatre of operations, it is just a matter of time before North-East Nigeria would be free from Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorist if the relevant stakeholders in International NGO, humanitarian organizations, agencies, and others lend their support to the Nigerian Army,” he said.
“Worthy of mention is the need for these stakeholders to emulate the Nigerian Army in helping those that have returned to their communities to settle down to overcome their pains and begin their lives.”
Obigwe was also of the opinion that if others emulate the Nigerian Army, there would be no basis for Nigeria not to overcome its security challenges.
“As a first, the mind-set of those that have been affected by the insurgency in North-East Nigeria must be reoriented through constant interaction and acts of kindness in what the Nigerian Army through its CSR initiatives is doing in these communities,” he said.
“I am aware that the Nigerian Army undertakes medical outreaches, assist in the reconstruction of houses and roads in these communities. This is very commendable, and if other stakeholders can do the same, substantial progress would be recorded, and Nigeria would be better for it.”
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