Sultan Condemns Maiduguri Bombings, Calls for Decisive Military Action
The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, has made a passionate appeal to Nigeria’s military and security agencies to adopt a more aggressive and proactive approach in combating terrorism, following the recent deadly bomb explosions in Maiduguri, Borno State.
Attacks Spark Outrage and Urgent Security Reforms
The bombings, which resulted in multiple fatalities and injuries, occurred in the Borno State capital, reigniting fears of a resurgence of large-scale insurgent violence. Speaking during the official declaration of Eid al-Fitr, marking the end of Ramadan, the Sultan expressed deep concern over the escalating insecurity.
“Are we now back to the bad old days?” the Sultan questioned, condemning the attacks in the strongest terms. He called on the military and intelligence agencies to intensify efforts to “nip terrorism and insurgency in the bud” before they spiral further out of control.
Military Must Take the Fight to Terrorists, Sultan Insists
Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III emphasized that security operations must shift from a reactive to a proactive stance, urging authorities to confront insurgents directly rather than waiting for attacks to occur.
“Relocation of Army and other security chiefs should not be ceremonial,” he stated. “Take the war to the terrorists where they are. Don’t wait for them to strike before defending or finding remedies.”
The Sultan’s remarks underscore growing public frustration over the persistent threat of terrorism in Nigeria, particularly in the northeastern region, which has borne the brunt of over a decade of insurgency.
Violence is Un-Islamic, Sultan Reaffirms
Reiterating his long-standing position, the Sultan categorically denounced the attacks as un-Islamic, warning against any attempts to link terrorism with the religion of Islam.
“It is un-Islamic and not recognised by Islam. It should not be attributed to Islam,” he declared. “The government must summon the political will required to ensure effective security for all citizens, regardless of religion or tribe, and stamp out these criminal elements nationwide.”
Call for National Unity and Peaceful Coexistence
While extending his condolences to the government and people of Borno State, as well as the families of the victims, the Sultan prayed for the repose of the deceased and a speedy recovery for the injured.
He stressed that decisive action is crucial to sustaining peace, unity, and development across Nigeria. Additionally, he urged Nigerians to continue fostering peaceful coexistence and national unity within their communities.
Key Takeaways from the Sultan’s Address:
- Proactive Military Strategy: Security forces must take the fight to terrorists rather than waiting for attacks.
- Condemnation of Violence: The Sultan described the bombings as un-Islamic and warned against associating terrorism with Islam.
- Government Accountability: Authorities must demonstrate political will to protect all citizens and eliminate insurgency.
- National Unity: Nigerians are urged to promote peace and coexistence amid rising insecurity.