Security
situation in North East States of Borno and Yobe has continued to deteriorate
despite the pronouncement of State of Emergency in the region. The last couple
of days have witnessed unabated slaughtering of lives and damage to properties
in what is increasingly overwhelming the security structures set up in the
region.
We
commiserate with the people and governments of Borno and Yobe States over the
wanton killings of innocent Nigerians in Bulabulin Ngaura, Damboa and Benishekh
in Borno State and just yesterday in the town of Gujba in Yobe State as well as
in violent outbreaks in other parts of the country.
What is particularly
worrying, especially coming from the Northeast region, is the evolving
amorphous characterization of the violent attacks. It is common knowledge that
even terrorist activities are hinged on core ideological foundations and
identifiable rules of engagement. However, we cannot fathom how the killing of
harmless, indeed armless, students will support any goal for which the
attackers struck at the middle of the night.
Clearly,
the strategies and tactics currently adopted, by security agencies drafted to
the region, have been ineffectual just as they leave far too much to be
desired. The latest attack on the Yobe State College of Agriculture is the
second such large-scale massacre of innocent civilians in the last two weeks
alone. This must worry all persons of goodwill, particularly any government
that has sworn to protect lives and properties of its citizens.
While
we commiserate with the Government and people of Yobe and Borno States, we call
on the Federal Government to immediately overhaul the tactics and rules of
engagement of the security agencies deployed in these states. The President who
doubles as the Commander-in-Chief also needs to get a firmer grip as well as
ensure coherence in the management of the various tiers of security
interventions in the affected states.
We,
on our own part, shall continue to offer support to our colleagues in the
affected states and to provide necessary humanitarian assistance in these
extremely difficult times.
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