Let’s Forgive Repentant Insurgents – Shehu Of Borno Begs Nigerians

Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Abubakar El-Kanemi, has asked Nigerians to forgive repentant Boko Haram insurgents and live with them peacefully.

The monarch also backed the process of reintegrating the repentant insurgents back into society, adding that they have realised their mistakes.

Recall that the Nigerian Army had disclosed that over 8000 insurgents have surrendered their arms and ammunition, adding that the repentant terrorists would be reintegrated back into the society.

Speaking at an event in Maiduguri on Thursday, the traditional ruler stated that the reintegration move is a welcome development as long as it could bring lasting peace.

He said the insurgency in the state had lingered for a long time and that the people were ready to accept any reconciliation and peacebuilding effort.

The monarch stated that the traditional rulers of Borno, including district heads, village heads and religious scholars, have all agreed and accepted the reconciliation process.

El-Kanemi urged authorities to work together ‘deeply’ with local government councils, district and village heads in the peacebuilding processes.

He said, “The issue of Boko Haram is something known to us, and we have been battling with this issue for a very long time: If this thing will come to an end now, honestly it is a welcome development.

“As far as I am concerned, all the traditional rulers of Borno, including district heads, village heads and religious scholars, have all agreed and accepted that reconciliation is a welcome development for all of us.”

Meanwhile, Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State has accused President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration of trying to keep him quiet.

Naija News reports that the Benue State governor has recently launched attacks on the present administration over the nation’s continued insecurity.

Speaking on Thursday at an event organized by the Radio Nigeria chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Ortom said the Buhari administration is trying to silence opposition voices.

While insisting that the present administration has failed, the governor accused Buhari of fighting opposition instead of going after herdsmen killing and maiming Nigerians.

“The present administration at the centre has adopted the approach of intimidation of those who dare to voice out their frustrations and concerns over growing insecurity and marginalization,” Ortom said.