Maiduguri bombing: “Stop waiting for attacks to happen, take war to terrorist’ doorsteps,” Sultan charges military
Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar, has asked the military to adopt a more aggressive approach against terrorists following bomb explosions in Maiduguri, Borno state.
The monarch made the call on Wednesday night, while declaring Friday Eid-el-Fitr, marking the end of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting.
On Monday, 23 people were killed, with over 100 injured, after bombs went off at a market, the gate of the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, and the Post Office flyover in the capital of the north-east state.
Abubakar condemned the attacks, urging the military and intelligence agencies to intensify efforts in tackling terrorism in the country.
“Take the war to the terrorists where they are. Don’t wait for them to strike before defending or finding remedies. This you must do so that, as a nation of great people, we can have peace in our country,” he said.
“We condemn this new wave of bomb attacks in the strongest terms of condemnation and charge that the military and other security and intelligence agencies should step up their effort by nipping these terrorism and insurgency problems in the bud.”
The Sultan said the attacks are against Islamic teachings, adding that the government should show strong political will to protect lives and decisively tackle criminal elements nationwide.
“We have always condemned this thing. It is un-Islamic, and we insist it is not recognised by Islam and should not be attributed to Islam,” the monarch said.
“The government should summon the political willpower that is required to provide effective security and safety for all people, regardless of their religious and tribal considerations, to stamp out these criminal elements, not only from the north but also the entire south of the country, to enable the good work being done on peaceful coexistence, unity and development.”
The Sultan advised Nigerians to continue to promote peace and unity wherever they live.
