The Chief of Army Staff, Lt General Tukur Buratai, has hinted that the killer herdsmen causing crisis around the country may have affiliation with the Boko Haram sect.
According to him, one may not be too far from the fact that some of these herdsmen that are attacking communities across the country may have some affiliation with the Boko Haram terrorists.
While speaking in Abeokuta, Ogun State capital yesterday, during a courtesy visit to the state governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, Buratai said “we want to call on all Nigerians to be security conscious and to report any suspicious persons or group of people that are roaming about in their communities.”
He added: ”This we are further investigating and also pursuing them so that we can address the situation, so let’s be security conscious. Let’s report movement of suspicious persons carrying arms promptly.
“If you suspect any individual within your community, you should be able to report immediately. Timely information is very important. We have our troops deployed in certain areas and I believe the Police are working with them to be able to tackle any challenge that comes in immediately.”
He, however, assured that no community is under attack of Boko Haram, saying that troops are patrolling and securing the border areas to prevent any infiltration of people into the country.
He admitted that a small community in Borno State was under attack some few days ago and that the troops were able to respond appropriately.
Buratai said those perpetrating the evil acts were few ones that escaped who live in the midst of members of the public.
“They didn’t capture any village. They went and attack a community, small community in Borno State and our troops responded appropriately and we will continue to pursue them wherever they are.
“This situation may continue for sometime, these are just pocket of them that sneak out to go and commit such atrocities. Our troops are on top of the situation and we will continue to address such challenges.”
According to the army chief, “You know generally that terrorism has no specific phase, they mix among the people anytime they want to strike, they sneak out and commit such atrocities, so I want to tell you that no community is under Boko Haram.
“No local government or ward can be said to be under Boko Haram seige. Our troops are patrolling all those places and we are coordinating with the multinational joint task force to ensure that the borders are well secured and are blocked from any infiltration,” he added.
Amosun commended the effort of the Nigerian Army for check mating the activities of the Boko Haram, by restoring sanity into the country.
The governor said, “We want to commend their effort because we know that before now we all know what the Boko Haram has turned Nigeria into, but for their effort, they have restored sanity by bringing back the dignity of the Nigerian Army and the entire Nigerians.”
