A Muslim group led by the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, urged people to defend themselves against Boko Haram militants.
The Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI) made the claim December 31 lamenting that the country’s authorities were unable to tackle insurgency in Nigeria.
According to Punch, the JNI said in a communiqué made public in Kaduna:
“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.”
The group blasted the Federal Government over their inability to find solution to terrorism problem in the country.
“That the current security challenges bedevilling the country persist largely as a result of the inability of government to deploy effective strategies to tackle 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.”
They accused politicians of not caring about the hardships and troubles people face because of Boko Haram actions, saying they care only about their electoral ambitions.
“That despite the devastation being caused by the incessant sophisticated bombings evidenced by huge losses of innocent lives and gross destruction of properties, 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, oil bunkering/theft and other militancy.”
The JNI advised Nigeria’s tops to consider not only military means of dealing with Boko Haram, but also alternative ways such as infrastructural development, youth employment programmes and stepping up the dialogue option. According to them, “force alone has so far proved to be ineffective”.
Moreover the document contained that the authorities should attract the necessary intelligence to stop the illegal importation and proliferation of arms and ammunition, which according to them contributed to crisis escalation.
It would be recalled that earlier this year the Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, also recommended Nigerians to defend themselves. Sanusi said that people should stand firm in the face of attacks rather than flee their homes.
