FG Pained over Killings, says Buhari
The Federal Government on Tuesday said it is pained by “the grievous loss of lives and properties” caused by Boko Haram, kidnappings, herdsmen and farmers clashes in several communities across the nation.
This was contained in President Muhammadu Buhari’s speech on the commemoration of Nigeria’s 2018 Democracy Day.
According to the president, the unfortunate incidences of kidnappings, herdsmen and farmers clashes in several communities which have led to high number of fatalities and loss of properties across the country is being addressed.
President Buhari said the identified culprits and their sponsors will face the full wrath of the law.
He said: “This administration is pained over the grievous loss of lives and properties occasioned by the carnage of insurgency and other forms of criminality in the country.”
“I wish to assure Nigerians that we will not rest until all criminal elements and their sponsors are brought to justice. Government is boosting the capacity of our security agencies through recruitment of more personnel, training and procurement of modern equipment, enhancement of intelligence gathering as well as boosting their morale in the face of daunting challenges.”
“All the three tiers of Government are presently engaged with communities and religious organizations to restore peaceful co-existence among Nigerians.”
The president however commended “members of the Multinational Joint Task Force drawn from Niger, Benin, Chad, Cameroon and our own country in collaboration with the International Community who are assisting in the fight against insurgency in the North East.”
“I also commend the gallantry of members of our Armed Forces and other security agencies that have continued to provide security for lives and properties across the country. State and Local traditional authorities are helping with much needed intelligence in this fight against insurgency,” Buhari said.
He said so far 106 Chibok and 104 Dapchi girls, and over 16,000 other persons held by the Boko Haram insurgents have been released while government is doing everything possible to further degrade the capacity of the insurgents.
He assured of federal government’s commitment to reintegrate all Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) across the nation.
“In order to minimize the impact of the insurgency on Internally Displaced Persons, Government has established secure IDP Camps and has improved the mechanism for the distribution of basic aid, foods and essential commodities using various strategies in collaboration with local and international Organizations.”
“Efforts are in process for resettlement of IDPs in their home communities by providing schools, hospitals, clinics, water and sanitation to facilitate a quick return to economic activities.”
“Government is similarly implementing de-radicalization and rehabilitation programmes to facilitate sustainable peace and development,” the president said.