Shettima to military: If my children have links to Boko Haram, don’t spare them

Kashim Shettima, Borno state governor, says anyone with links to Boko Haram must face justice.

Shettima said this in a state broadcast on Friday.

He said he had told security agencies not to spare even his children if they were found to have links to the insurgents.

“I know that majority of you, the good people of Borno state; have remained sincerely committed to fighting this insurgency,” he said.

“I have met parents who exposed their insurgent biological children and handed them over to security forces to face justice.

“I know that insurgents and their allies often hide their identity so well that good citizens may innocently associate with them.

“But the bold patriotism of parents who turn in their children has always strengthened our resolve. This is why I strongly say to security agencies, that anyone factually suspected of despicable links with the Boko Haram and other criminals should face justice even if that person happens to be one of my three biological children.”

The governor described any form of support for Boko Haram as a crime against humanity, saying he had seen young men risk their lives to fight the insurgents.

“Support for insurgents is a crime against humanity. I have met parents who encouraged their children to join the Civilian JTF and risk their lives to fight insurgents,” he said.

“I have even met parents who remained contended and proud even after their sons died fighting under the Civilian JTF. I have seen elderly men and young girls organise themselves to join the fight as vigilantes and the Civilian JTF.”