Govt incapable of tackling Boko Haram –Sultan’s JNI

The Jama’atu Nasril Islam, piqued by what it describes as the failure of the Federal Government to tackle the Boko Haram menace in the North-East of the country, on Wednesday directed Nigerian Muslims to defend themselves against any attack from the sect.

“That Muslims are strongly urged to defend themselves, in appropriate manner against any attack by insurgents and all other acts of violence by criminals, as it is a religious obligation to do so, particularly that government forces currently seem to be incapable,” a communiqué, signed by the JNI’s Secretary-General, Dr. Khalid Abubakar-Aliyu, said on Wednesday in Kaduna.

Appraising the Federal Government’s efforts in curbing the activities of the insurgents, the Muslim body said the government had failed since it appeared obvious that government forces were incapable tackling the Boko Haram’s persistent attacks.

The JNI, led by the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Saad AbubakarIII, noted that its call had become imperative owing to the low level of morale in the rank of the gallant Nigerian troops currently fighting the Boko Haram insurgents in the North-East.
It urged the government to wake up to its responsibilities of protecting the lives and property of Nigerians.

The communiqué, which was the outcome of a one-day stakeholders’ meeting on the security situation in the country, added, “That the current security challenges bedeviling the country persist largely as a result of the inability of the government to deploy effective strategies in tackling them.

“That the manifest low morale of troops, due to inadequate welfare, lack of desired weaponry and failure of intelligence among other reasons, are severely hindering the fight against insurgency.

“That despite the devastation being caused by the incessant sophisticated bombings evidenced by the huge losses of innocent lives and gross destruction of property, our politicians at all levels, and in all political parties, regrettably show very scanty or no concern about the national predicament and anguish but are only busy with political campaigns.

“That the economic base and development of the country are being systematically and grossly crippled by all forms of insurgencies, from Boko Haram to cattle rustling, illegal bunkering/theft and other militancy.

“That Muslims are strongly urged to defend themselves, in appropriate manner, against any attacks by insurgents and all other acts of violence by criminals, as it a religious obligation to do so, particularly that government forces currently seem to be incapable.”