The Borno Elders Forum (BOEF) yesterday alleged that those who have been accused of embezzling $2.1 billion arms funds are the “genuine sponsors” of Boko Haram in the country.

In a statement signed by the BOEF Chairman, Ambassador Usman Gaji Galtimari, the elders said: “Much has been said about the sponsors of Boko Haram. With the horrifying revelations about the ‘Arms Deal,’ it is no longer necessary to continue delaying the search for the real sponsors of Boko Haram.

“Those who collected such huge sums of money from the national treasury and converted same for their unending greed and avarice should be regarded as part and parcel of the sponsors of Boko Haram.

“Get them and you will get the rest. The people who sponsored the activities of Boko Haram or those who deliberately turned away from their official responsibilities on security issues, or those who looted the funds meant for the prosecution of the war against Boko Haram, and those who spoke or continue to speak in their favour are all one and the same.

“They all individually and collectively aided and sponsored the Boko Haram insurgency. They colluded to ensure the death of our brave soldiers, our innocent people and the near total destruction of our society.

“Nigerians should stand by us and collectively assist to bring those responsible to book. Since the outbreak of the Boko Haram uprising in 2009 to date, the Borno Elders Forum has been voicing out at every critical stage of the crisis, proffering possible ways of addressing very critical security and social issues.”

The statement reads further: “Until the advent of the current government under President Muhammadu Buhari, we were ignored.