BEG BOKO HARAM TO ACCEPT AMNESTY, SAYS - ACF TO MUSLIMS.

By: ‪#‎BOLDWIN‬ ANUGWARA;
August 8, 2013.
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"Security beefed up in Abuja, Kano, Kaduna
Baba Negedu,Ted Odogwu, Cyril Mbah, GYANG BERE.
The umbrella socio-cultural organisation in the northern part of the country, Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), has called on Muslims to use the spirit of Sallah to prevail on the Boko Haram sect to accept the offer of amnesty. ACF, in its Sallah message made available to newsmen in Kaduna, said the call has become necessary as the country needs peace for its socio-economic development.
The Sallah message, signed by Anthony Sani, ACF’s National Publicity Secretary, also advised Muslim faithful to extend the teachings of the Ramadan beyond the month and exhibit them in their daily activities. “ACF wishes to felicitate with Muslims and Nigerians over the celebration of the Eid-el Fitr that marks the end of the fasting in the month of Ramadan.
“ACF enjoins Muslims to make the spirit of purification, forgiveness and mercy that associated with the fasting and deprivation in the month of Ramadan to outlive the period and prevail in the daily lives of the faithful for the glory of God and for humanity now and till eternity.
“This is because the spirit of purification, forgiveness and mercy that gives rise to generous disposition to the needy among us is an essential ingredient for peaceful coexistence which is needed for meaningful socio-economic development of any society and nation, Nigerian not an exception,” the message said.
It further stated that, “Were that being the case, ACF appeals to all Nigerians, especially Muslims, to help prevail on the insurgents to lay down their arms and embrace the offer of constructive engagement offered by the Federal Government in the interest of peace; interest of the Muslim faithful and for national interest. “May Allah make it possible for most of those celebrating the Muslim Sallah this year to celebrate many more decades of Eid-el-Fitr.”
And also yesterday, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-General Azubuike Ihejirika, said the ongoing military onslaught in the north will soon end Boko Haram insurgency. Ihejirika was speaking at the graduation of the basic counter terrorism course for soldiers in Jaji, Kaduna State.
Represented by the Commandant, Nigerian Army Peacekeeping Centre (NAPKC), Major-General Salihu Uba, the COAS said there is no doubt that it is the responsibility of the armed forces to stop the menace of the Boko Haram.
Consequently, he stressed that the Nigerian Army, in particular, cannot afford to fail in its resolve to bring the menace to its end.
He said the centre has within the period of its existence expanded in both manpower and facilities to ensure that troops receive the needed robust and theatre-specific pre-deployment training. On his part, the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 1 Div Nigerian Army, Major-General Garba Wahab, who also spoke in Jaji, at the deployment of 800 officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army on peace keeping mission to Darfur, warned the troops to stay away from ugly incidents that can dent the image of Nigeria.
The GOC said the Nigerian Army will not accept any situation where its troops are disarmed. According to him, “You must fight to discharge your duties in consonance with the mission mandate when the need arises, especially when there is no alternative if you are to protect yourselves, your colleagues, civilians and property in the course of executing your tasks. “You must remember that the Rules of Engagement issued to you and taught, are not to restrict you, but to offer guidance in the use and application of force.
“You must not involve yourselves in the trafficking of illicit substances of any kind, such as alcohol and drugs, as these are very offensive to the cultural values of the Darfur people and negate UN ethics. I must also remind you of the UN zero tolerance policy on sexual exploitation and abuse.” However, security has been beefed up in the northern part of the country, especially in Kaduna, Kano and Borno states, as well as Abuja, following the uneasy calm and fears of threat of attack by the Boko Haram insurgents.
Daily Newswatch investigations revealed unusual increase of the number of security operatives in some areas in Kaduna and its environs. Specifically, many security operatives were seen around Leventis Roundabout, NEPA Roundabout and Command junction in the metropolis. The Kaduna State Police Command Public Relations Officer, DSP Aminu Lawan, in a telephone interview, revealed that more deployments are underway in order to ensure a peaceful Sallah celebration.
Lawan said, “Of course, there are arrangements for a tight security operation. By tomorrow (today), our operation order will be out and you will get the information you want.” And the Joint Task Force in Kano has not only fortified security in the state, but also introduced additional roadblocks, so as to checkmate the illegal activities of terrorists, especially during this celebration.
The JTF spokesman, Captain Ikedichi Iweha, disclosed that despite the recent multiple bomb blasts that rocked the Sabon Gari area of the metropolis, the JTF has since restored order in the state, adding that everybody is moving about his legitimate business. According to him, the JTF has increased the number of checkpoints in the state in its determined efforts and commitment to ensure a crime-free Sallah celebration in the state.
The JTF, he said, is on red alert to avert any security threat to lives and property of the citizens of the state, adding that it has also increased security presence in the Sabon Gari area, which was recently rocked by multiple bomb blasts. And like the JTF, the state police command has assured the general public that adequate security arrangements have been put in place to protect them.
A press statement signed by the state Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Magaji Musa Majiya, advised the general public, particularly Muslims at the Eid-el- Fitr praying ground to avoid carrying unnecessary things, except their praying mats.
Besides, the PPRO urged motorists to strictly obey traffic rules and regulations by avoiding reckless and dangerous driving, over speeding and racing, so as to minimize cases of accident throughout the festivities.
The command also appealed to parents and guardians to ensure that adults accompany their children throughout the festivities, adding that the measure will help to check incessant cases of missing children and underage. Majia said the general public should continue to cooperate with all security agencies in the state, especially the Civil Defence Corps, KAROTA, Hisbah Guards, Vigilante groups and other civil volunteers who are assisting to maintain law and order.
“Members of the public are reminded to continue to report any suspicious character or object to the nearest police station or security outfit for necessary action or call police emergency lines as follows: 08032419754; 08123821575,” the statement said, urging residents to use the occasion to pray for continuous peace and economic development of the state and the nation. And in Abuja, in its collaboration with other security agencies, the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has deployed about 30,000 officers around the Federal Capital Territory to forestall any ugly incidents during the Eid-el-fitr celebration.
NSCDC’s Public Relations Officer, Mr. David Okunnubi, who disclosed this in Abuja yesterday, said the move is to ensure that the celebration is conducted smoothly without hitches. He said NSCDC personnel are well trained and equipped with necessary knowledge to track down criminals during the Sallah.
However, the Special Task Force (Operation Save Haven) in charge of internal security in Jos and environs has dispelled rumour of possible attack on worshippers during the Eid-el- Fitr celebration in Plateau State.