In spite of the recent killing perpetrated by Islamist sect, Boko Haram, President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday, June 18, 2015 extended his hand of friendship to the terror group, referring to them as ‘brothers’.
President Buhari made the remarks as part of his message to Muslims in the country who join their counterparts around the world to mark the holy month of Ramadan.
In the message, which was signed by Garba Shehu, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, President Buhari urged Boko Haram insurgents to end their killings as they were tarnishing the image of the Islamic religion.
Since his inauguration on Friday, May 29, 2015, Boko Haram fighters have carried out over a dozen attacks, killing scores of citizens, none of which has been condemned or even addressed by President Buhari.
He urged Muslims to be “helpful to all manner of people, learning and following the true message of the religion as taught by the Holy Prophet.”
To the insurgents, President Buhari said: “As we make collective efforts to bring to a permanent end the menace of the Boko Haram in the Lake Chad basin countries, let me use this auspicious occasion to appeal to our misguided brothers to drop their arms, embrace peace and seek a better understanding of Islam during this Holy period and beyond.
“I wish all our citizens a blessed Ramadan. Ramadan Kareem Mubarak.”
