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Buhari vows to fish out, punish sponsors of violence in states

President Muhammadu Buhari has reiterated his determination to fish out and punish politicians who were instigating violence in some states of the federation.He made the commitment yesterday in Monguno, Borno State at the closing ceremony of the 2018 Army Day celebrations, held at the one-time stronghold of Boko Haram terrorists.

Borno children welcoming President Muhammadu Buhari with a souvenir, alongside Chief of Army Staff Gen. Tukur Buratai and other officers, during their visit to the state for the Grand Finale of the 2018 Nigerian Army Day Celebration in Monguno, Borno State…yesterday

President Muhammadu Buhari has reiterated his determination to fish out and punish politicians who were instigating violence in some states of the federation.He made the commitment yesterday in Monguno, Borno State at the closing ceremony of the 2018 Army Day celebrations, held at the one-time stronghold of Boko Haram terrorists.

According to the President, solution is being found to the deadly clashes between farmers and herdsmen, and whosoever is found culpable will be brought to justice. “We shall fish them out and punish them according to the provisions of the law,” he said.

The President explained that his administration had worked and working tirelessly to ensure and preserve the dignity and sanctity of life.“When I was sworn in as the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I promised that this administration would tackle the challenges of insecurity, poor economy and fight corruption.

“We are all witnesses to the fact that our once battered economy as a nation has exited recession and is once again vibrant. Our nation is safe again, thanks to the efforts of our security agencies,” he stated.

Commending the armed forces for keeping the country safe, President Buhari acknowledged that there are still challenges faced by the nation.“This does not mean there are no challenges. There are pockets of violence in several states. Some deliberately instigated by disgruntled politicians who have lost all arguments and are desperate to cause mayhem as a way of seeking relevance.”He reassured the families of the remaining kidnapped Chibok girls and Leah Sharibu of the Dapchi Girls’ School and the world that his administration would not relent in its efforts to see that they are all released.

“I also want to reassure all Nigerians that the issue of farmers and herdsmen clashes is being tackled and all those found culpable would be brought to justice. Let me quickly remind us at this point to always be tolerant, loving and ready to give peace a chance.”

President Buhari reiterated what he said to the Christian Association of Nigeria, Northern Chapter, on Thursday in Abuja, that none of the nation’s religions or cultures permits the killing of one person by another.

Also speaking at the event, Borno State Governor Kashim Shettima, said that, “we have cut the rubicon of insurgency in the North-East. Thank God, we have come to the end of insurgency. Suicide attack is a sign of weakness, not strength.”

The Minister of Defence, Mansur Dan Ali, commended the army for establishing a Motorcycle Battalion meant to enhance quick mobility and security in areas of unfavourable vehicular movements.He also lauded the Air Force for setting up Rapid Response groups in the six geopolitical zones of the country.He assured that appropriate measures were being put in place to address security challenges across the country.

“The Armed Forces are currently handling Operation Delta Safe in the South-South; Operation Safe Haven in the North Central and Operation Awatse to combat militant activities in the Arepo general area and other parts of the South-West.

“Recently, the Nigerian Army established Operation Whirl Stroke to tackle insecurity in the North Central states,’’ he added.The Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Gabriel Olonisakin, said that the military operations in the North-East were moving from engagements of a combat nature to humanitarian and civilian support services to assist the victims of insurgency to return to their communities which they were forced to abandon.

The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, said the choice of Monguno for the 2018 events was intended to celebrate the achievements of the army in its combat efficiency, civil-military relations and its efforts in research, development and technological attainments.He said the army had accomplished the President’s objective of stabilising the North-East and other parts of the country, and assured of their unwavering support and loyalty to the President and the constitution.

On arrival at the Kinnasara Army barracks in Monguno, President Buhari inspected military equipment on display by the 21 Specialised Corps of the Nigerian Army, and inaugurated the first indigenous Mines Resistant and Ambush Armoured Vehicles (MARAPS).Before his departure, the President also toured one of the largest Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camps in Monguno town.

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