Amidst the persistence of sporadic attacks by Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists across parts of Borno State, one of the leading royal fathers in the state, the Shehu of Bama, has implored the federal government to ship more troops and weapons into his domain to combat the marauding terrorists there.
Alhaji Umar Kyari Umar El-kanemi was speaking during an event organized by the Center for Advocacy, Transparency and Accountability Initiative (CATAI), in partnership with JAMI AL-HAKEEM and with support from the UNDP-PBF project, to commemorate the International Day of Peace in Bama last weekend.
Represented by the District Head of Sour, Kaka Mallam Kaigama, the Shehu acknowledged that troops have recorded tremendous success in counter-insurgency operations, saying, however, that the troops need to be equipped with modern weapons of warfare to sustain the tempo and consolidate on the victories so far achieved over the insurgents.
The monarch, who recalled: “Bama town was worst-hit by insurgents,” expressed gratitude to God for the measure of peace and security restored to his domain “through the efforts of military and prayers by our religious leaders.”
He pleaded: “We urge the federal government to support the security agencies with more troops and weapons to enable the troops tackle the terrorists,” as he called on his fellow traditional rulers in the state to support the troops in their battle against the terrorists, stating, “Security is everybody’s business.”
Shehu thanked the organizers of the event for what he described as their laudable initiatives tailored to peace-building and fostering communal cooperation against terror.
Sadiq Abubakar, of the Center for Advocacy, Transparency and Accountability Initiative (CATAI), said the commemoration of World Peace Day aims to foster unity, promote awareness of peaceful coexistence, and highlight the active role of youth and women in driving local peace-building initiatives.
He said: “The event is expected to deepen community awareness on peace values, empower participants to take ownership of local initiatives, and serve as a catalyst for sustained dialogue in Bama.”
Abubakar added: “It will also raise visibility of grassroots peace-building efforts supported under the PBF-UNDP project, inspiring similar actions in other conflict-affected areas of Northeast Nigeria.”
He said the initiative aimed to showcase cultural and peace-building efforts designed to strengthen collaboration among stakeholders while providing a platform for participants to share experiences and propose solutions to community challenges.
The event brought together youth, women, traditional leaders, and community-based groups to reflect on the importance of peace, dialogue, and reconciliation in a community that has long been affected by conflict and instability.
