Former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon (retd), has thrown more light on the origin of the dreaded Islamist sect, Boko Haram, saying that the group is more of foreigners than Nigerians.
Fielding questions yesterday from journalists on the state of security in the nation, Gowon, who was a guest at the flag-off of Peugeot 301 production in Nigeria, said from his experience as the country’s former leader, Nigerians practicing Islam couldn’t have hidden under the religion to cause havoc.
Consequently, the former Head of State urged all Nigerians to cooperate to fight insurgency, stressing that only irresponsible citizens would not express worry about the seemingly unending bombing and killings in the country.
He said: “So, let us all put our heads together and see what we can do in checking this menace. I was in Kano about two days ago and I made comment on these people who are doing this thing in the name of Islam. It is very sad, giving Islam a very bad name. Islam that I know in the country throughout my life, certainly is not about murdering people. This group that is doing this is not probably of Nigerian Islam, but imported, distractive Islam, which is not the Nigerian Islam. So, let us all put our heads together and deal with this particular problem.
“As far as security of Nigeria is concerned, everybody should be worried about the situation. Anyone, who is not worried about the security of this country is irresponsible and I can assure you that this government is very responsible, trying its best to deal with security problems in the country.”

Boko Haram, an imported religious group, says Gowon