Borno Governor to sustain dialogue with Boko Haram

Borno Governor to sustain dialogue with Boko Haram

Governor Kashim Shettima of Borno State, North-East Nigeria, has promised to continue to dialogue with Boko Haram militants in spite of the group's reluctance to negotiate with the government.

Shettima made the promise in a statement issued in Maiduguri on Sunday by his Director of Press, Malam Usman Chiroma.

Governor Shettima is quoted as saying, “any responsible government must, as a matter of urgency, initiate measures to address these challenges to better the lot of the people.” 

The Governor’s declaration comes amidst renewed threats by Boko Haram to unleash further bombings on parts of the country.

Threats

The militant group has been reported to have vowed that, "We are ready for the Nigerian state; after the training of our commandos in Somalia, northern states such as Plateau, Kaduna, Taraba, Benue, should watch out for us especially in Kaduna."

The sect in an online statement, warned all civilians to avoid military formations especially the police, stating that, "We are stepping up our attacks in the coming weeks in all northern states. The failed assassination attempt on the Inspector General of Police will not deter us as we are going to attack the entire northern parts of the country including Abuja. People should, therefore, avoid crowded places and gatherings," the statement warned.

Appeal

Meanwhile, the Borno State Police Command has appealed to members of the public to cooperate with security agents in their efforts to maintain law and order in the area.

The Public Relations Officer of the Borno State Police Command, Mr Lawal Abdullahi, made the appeal in a statement in Maiduguri, the State capital.

“The public should eschew violence, sectarian killings and vandalisation, and embrace peace for tranquility to prevail. The doors for dialogue and constructive criticisms with the state government remain open," he assured the people.

Abdullahi added that the recent security equipment donated by the state government was to enhance security toward protecting lives and property of the people.

“The equipment is not aimed at harming or confronting any person or group of persons in the state. ``The killing of innocent persons and destruction of public property is against the interest of the society and must be stopped forthwith,’’ he said.

He urged the people to resolve issues through dialogue and give peace a chance to ensure meaningful development and progress in the state.

NAN/NP/Ekata