Shettima pleads for more efforts to crush Boko Haram

Governor of Borno state, Kashim Shettima, has appealed to the federal government to redouble its effort towards putting an end to the insurgency in the north-eastern part of the country.

He said the activities of the Boko Haram insurgents have brought untold hardship to the state.

In a TV broadcast on Friday, the governor strongly condemned the sect, extending sympathies to families that have lost loved-ones in the crisis.

Noting that Borno recovered from different attacks in the past, Shettima expressed optimism that the current trying period will not send the state into oblivion. He however commended the security personnel as well as different volunteer groups for working towards ensuring stability in the state.

“In recent days and weeks, we have come under renewed and augmented attacks, waged against all of us, by an armed minority that seeks to impose on us, a doctrine that is completely at variance with the religion of Islam which they claim to promote,” he said.

“Several innocent communities in Gwoza, Damboa, Askira/Uba, Marte, Chibok, Konduga, Dikwa and the most recent, Bama, have had young and old, amongst them children, weak old men and women, killed in cold blood, their homes destroyed and thousands forced to flee. These acts are absolutely condemnable in the strongest of terms.

“In the history of Borno since 19th century, this is however not the first threat to our existence as a people. We had faced and survived threats in years past and we shall survive this insha Allah. We are confident of victory through a reinforcement of our armed forces and the collective will of all of us, citizens, who are committed to defeating the Boko Haram scourge.

“Collectively as a people, we have exhibited great determination. Our youth volunteers have made us proud. We are all in this, fellow citizens. We all have roles to play. One of these roles is the devoted offer of prayers and ceaseless appeal to the Almighty to make us victorious.

“Let me use this opportunity to once again, extend my deepest sympathy to the families of all those who lost their lives in these serial massacres that are designed to send Borno and its people into oblivion, but which will not succeed insha Allah. I also express my very deep sympathy to all victims who either lost property or are taking refuge.”

The governor promised to stand along with the people, assuring them that his government will keep on supporting them. He described peace as a very crucial factor and said he will continue to collaborate with the federal government for the restoration of peace.

“The number one duty of Government is to safeguard the lives and property of the citizenry. However laudable policies and programmes of Government could be, no matter the beauty of infrastructures put in place, they would all amount to less than nothing if human lives are not secured.

“We have done, and still doing everything within the limits of our powers and resources, to complement the duty of the Federal Government to safeguard lives and property. Our armed forces that have outstandingly proven their capability in such difficult times can by the grace Allah defeat the Boko Haram insurgency with overwhelming federal reinforcement in all areas of their needs.

“We strongly appeal to the federal government to redouble its present efforts so that the nation will be a historic witness to speedy containment of the Boko Haram insurgency.”

Appealing to them to keep supporting the government, Shettima stated that he has embarked on steps that will cushion the effects of insurgent attacks on the people in terms of food security, means of livelihood and access to education.