President of the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, Monday, in reaction to the reported death of the Islamist sect’s leader, Abubakar Shekau, said: “I have not heard the story yet but if it is true, as a Christian, we should not rejoice over the death of any one.
“Nevertheless I must commend the security forces, which had taken this war against terrorism in this country to a new and commendable height by the accomplishment they had achieved in the last couple of months.”
According to him, the Christian community in Nigeria would have preferred that Shekau was caught alive and arraigned before a court of competence jurisdiction, where Nigerians would have the opportunity of hearing his explanation for the mindless killings of innocent Nigerians.
“That is why I say that it is heavy on me to react to the death of this fellow. I would really have been glad if he was caught alive so that he can answer so many questions bothering people’s minds.
“Once again, I commend the members of the security forces, who had ensured that the turbulence in the North-East is gradually simmering down and people can now go about their daily chores almost unhindered.”
I’ve heard of his death many times—Col Kachako
FORMER acting Military Governor of Katsina State and Third Republic Seantor, Colonel Isa Kachako, has expressed doubts on whether the death of Boko Haram leader, Abubakar Shekau, would lead to the end of insurgency in northern parts of the country.
He spoke from Kano, yesterday, in a telephone interview with Vanguard.
He expressed worry that the polarisation of the concept of Boko Haram had made it difficult for one to conclude that an end had come with the death of Shekau.
According to him, there are other people that are carrying out criminal acts against humanity in the North in the name of Boko Haram.
He said: “First and foremost, let us hope he is truly dead this time around. I have heard about his death many times and the next thing you hear would be that he is still alive.
“Secondly, I need to tell you the death of Shekau as we are now told, may not necessarily bring the insurgency to an end because there is more to Boko Haram than meets the eye.
“There are three groups of people now parading themselves as Boko Haram: one, the group of stupid politicians, who kill their political enemies for political interests. Then, the group of armed robbers, who use all types of dangerous weapons to rob banks, snatch cars and unsuspecting people and still call themselves Boko Haram.
“Do you hear about armed robbery in the North any longer? They are now called Boko Haram. And the third group is the group of so-called Muslims, who claim to be fighting Islamic cause.
“It is difficult to identify the first two: that is the stupid politicians and armed robbers.
“But with the dialogue going on between the government’s amnesty committee and the Boko Haram group, if that is the group that Shekau actually belonged to, I think there can be said to be an end to insurgency in the horizon.”
Killing leader, no guarantee for security— Muric
Professor Is-haq Akintola, the Executive Director of Muslim Rights Concern, MURIC, said: “The killing of Shekau may have little or nothing to guarantee the security of the people, except justice and equity.
“If you look at the issue of the leader of Al-qaeda, Osama Bin laden, he was hunted for so many years before he was killed. However, that did nothing to the group. Did Al-qaeda die? Not at all.
“Until we are able to uphold justice, killing a single leader means a little. They have several deputies. So, you don’t stop violence by just killing a leader.”
Akintola, a lecturer at the Lagos State University, LASU, further said: “The issue is the movement. You cannot kill a single person without resolving the issue concerning their movement.
“We do not know who their followers are. So, we cannot go around and start arresting people but find a way of bringing them around and dialogue to finally resolve issues.
“I will tell you that we repeat our condemnation of all forms of violence. However we of the Muslim Rights Concern, MURIC, takes the Federal Government’s statement on taking Boko Haram case to ICC with a pinch of salt.
“It, in the same statement, contradicted itself by adding that the amnesty committee set up by it was on course.” The government appears to be enjoying a prolonged game of paradox.” Click to signup for FREE news updates, latest information and hottest gists everyday
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Discussing "religeon" is the most sensitive issue in Nigeria(especially) but I think CAN should be very carefull about this. I want to state categrically clear hear that CAN president or its excos have no buisiness discussing "Boko Haram" issues publicly to the press. Secondly, Islam has a lot of sects or brotherhood who don't entirely belief in thesame Prophet Mohammed teachings. Now, Boko Haram claim to be muslims and fighting in the name of 'Allah' yet the islamic community deny them. Let's be honest this "islamic" group have really spread its disease like germs with so many subordinates & the killing of one person isn't enough. Let's tackle the insurgency first.
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