Repentant Boko Haram members deserve no pity, Arewa leaders tell FG

There should be no pity but a full-scale trial for ‘repentant’ Boko Haram members, the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has said, while warning the Federal Government against accepting the surrender overture of terrorists.

The Northern socio-cultural group maintained that if the deadly Boko Haram members would be set free, then it behooves the government to free all those in custody in any part of the country for one crime or another.

The National Chairman of ACF, Audu Ogbeh, told newsmen in Kaduna, yesterday, that the terrorists, who got a slap on the wrist, were bomb makers, commanders, arsonists, rapists, and kidnappers.

“Do we have any reason to cheer and believe that the war is over? Saying is ‘I am sorry is not enough to bring relief to thousands of Nigerians or even those killed.

“We are currently witnessing the large-scale surrender of a large number of Boko Haram insurgents, among whom are bomb makers, commanders, arsonists, rapists, and child snatchers. Do we have good reason to cheer and hope for an end to this decade-old insanity?” Ogbeh said.

ACF was also concerned about those bombed in the churches, mosques, schools, and markets, as well as the men and women in uniform, murdered.

It stated: “Who can count the thousands of widows and orphans they have created? What is the difference between them and the Ighohos or ESN of Nigeria? None.

“So what do we do with them? Should we just embrace them and trust them wholesale? Are their moves informed by altruistic repentance? We seriously doubt.”

The forum joined the governor of Borno State, the Shehu of Borno, and millions of Nigerians in pondering over the development and advised: “Bring them to trial, or free all others presently in custody anywhere.”