Saturday, March 30, 2024

…If my child is involved, pick him up

Following insinuations making the rounds as a result of some suspects arrested in connection with the insurgency and are alleged to have links with Government House, Maiduguri, Governor Kashim Shettima has directed the security agencies to arrest all those suspected, not sparing even his own child if found be culpable.

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

This is why I strongly say to the 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.”

In a state wide broadcast to douse the atmosphere of suspect and mounting tension, Governor Shettima remarked, “Even though we are saddened by episodes of attacks, as your Governor, I assure you that I serve with a constant reminder that the number one basis of government is the protection of innocent lives and property.

I know the weight of my duties and the oath I took before you and God.” The governor regretted the renewed attacks by the insurgents in recent days and weeks “which horribly remind us, that our security challenges are still longing”.

He reminded the people that though the Sambisa Forest that the mass murderers used to train, prepare and launch bold attacks on the communities have been captured by the gallant military, it does not translate into the struggle being over.

According to Governor Shettima, “Instead, the terrorists have resorted in their usual cowardly fashion, to stepping up attacks on soft targets.

Cowardly and vile attacks such as these on schools, place of worship, markets and other soft targets are signs of the terrorists’ weakness and of their desperation to tell their terror of co-travelers around the world that they are not yet finished.

“In this criminal endeavour, they resort to the use of teenagers and children as young as seven years. More recently, they even strap babies on the back of their recruits in order to slip through our security dragnets.”

He went on: “We will not allow them succeed in their wish to make us live in the permanent slavery of fear. I urge you, the good people of Borno state not to despair but to rise as one and stand up to this murderous grasp of a dying insurgency.” The governor commended the resilience and the indomitable spirit of the people of Borno in standing up against the insurgency.

More importantly are some parents who, according to governor Shettima, “… exposed their insurgent biological children and handover to the security forces to face justice”.

In addition, he said, “I have met parents who encourage their children to join civilian JTF and risk their lives to fight the insurgents.

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 civilian JTF.”

Kashim made it clear to the people that this is a battle that must be won for the survival of Borno and the nation, adding that, “In fact they have failed in their mission because together we have said no to them.

And in saying no, we must not let them cause us any more harm. We must watch out for strange and suspicious faces not for the purpose of taking the law into our hands but for reporting these suspicious persons to the nearest security agents for prompt action.

“We must remobilise ourselves and step up vigilance and community policing around all our population and community centres like mosques, churches, markets, schools, hospitals, shopping complexes, football fields, social gatherings and motor parks.”

Commenting on the statewide broadcast by the Governor, Mallam Isa Gusau explained that this became necessary in the light of the prevailing circumstance.

We will not allow them succeed in their wish to make us live in the permanent slavery of fear. I urge you, the good people of Borno state not to despair but to rise as one and stand up to this murderous

First, there were some of these renewed attacks by the insurgents despite the conquest of Sambisa. The people need assurance that the victory of Sambisa in a fait accompli and that the government’s resolve to liquidate the insurgency is not negotiable.

Secondly, following the arrest of some individuals said to be connected in one way or the other to Government House, Maiduguri, there were all sorts of wild stories and fabrications consciously or unconsciously aimed at undermining the integrity of the number one citizen of Borno.

It has therefore become imperative to clear the cob webs. As a public figure and Governor of the state, Shettima is bound to come across and associate with many with no means of reading their mind’s construction just as appearances could be deceptive.

Hence, the coming out of the governor to state unambiguously that whosoever is involved in this insurgency that has brought deaths and sorrow to the people, the culprits must be apprehended, be it his child or whosoever to face the law.

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