Governor Kashim Shettima of Borno has presented 11 vehicles and N1.815, 000 to those who lost cars and cash in the recent Boko Haram and Joint Task Force clash in Kalari London Ciki ward of the metropolis.
Presenting the cars and the money to the victims at the Government House in Maiduguri yesterday, Gov. Shettima said that no amount of money could compensate for human life, but the gesture was to appreciate their patience.
A car and N1.615, 000 was also presented to the wives of one Malam Muhammad Bahausa who lost his life in the clash.
Malama Saudatu and Fatima Muhammad thanked the governor for coming to their aid and prayed for the repose of the soul of their late husband and that Allah should grant the governor more wisdom in governing the state.
Another recipient who was given N200, 000, Hauwa Amadu, said that her husband was a security guard with Guaranty Trust Bank, but was shot dead by members of the JTF during the clash, despite the presentation of his ID card.
She equally thanked the governor for coming to their aid and prayed for the repose of her husband’s soul, saying government should assist her and her children, since they have lost their breadwinner.
The governor said a committee would be set up to rebuild all the houses that were destroyed during the clash, adding that government would do everything possible to assist all the victims and called on them to see what happened as an act of God.
Governor Shettima stated that the compensation would be extended to those who lost property in Abbaganaram and Shehuri wards of the metropolis.
However, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) has warned President Jonathan, the National Assembly and the security agencies against the continued treatment of the Boko Haram issue with kid’s gloves.
The conference’s warning was contained in a press statement entitled, Boko Haram Insurgency and Nigeria’s Sovereignty: Time for Decision, signed by deputy secretary general, Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria, Rev Fr Peter Okonkwo and made available to LEADERSHIP.
According to the CBCN, “The nefarious action of the Boko Haram sect has gotten to a peak and if care is not taken can set the country ablaze. Enough is enough and government should not allow people to be pushed to the wall to avert violent reprisals”.
The Catholic Church, the conference said, “Has always collaborated and cooperated with government in the promotion of peace and harmony in the country.
“Furthermore, Christianity connotes peace and true love and respect for life of all human persons,” CBCN stated.
The group argued that “It will indeed be fool hardy to fold our arms and watch Nigerian Christians randomly blown to pieces by a group of people who do not know God but claim to be Muslims acting on the prompting of Allah.”
This, the conference said was contrary to the fact that both Christianity and Islam are rooted in God, abhor violence and profess peace as exemplified and preached by true leaders of both religions in the country.
Also, the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has condemned calls for a state of emergency in Borno State.
The chairman of its Board of Trustees (BoT), Lt General Jeremiah Useni, told BBC Hausa that the situation had not gotten out of hand, saying, “It is not justifiable and such agitations are weak and they are hasty. The federal government is showing prompt attention. I don’t think it is worthy. We are exploring several means… Progress is certain going by the situation.”