Senator Ali Ndume, who represents Borno South, has urged Nigerians to avoid religious profiling in response to renewed Boko Haram attacks, noting that the insurgents kill indiscriminately, regardless of faith.
In a statement on Wednesday, Ndume stressed that the terrorist group’s violence affects both Muslims and Christians, citing recent assaults on Ngoshe in Gwoza Local Government Area and Mussa in Askira-Uba Local Government Area, Borno State.
Recall, over the weekend, renewed Boko Haram attacks in Borno State resulted in eight deaths, with five farmers killed in Ngoshe, Gwoza LGA, and three youths murdered in Mussa, Askira/Uba LGA, where homes and shops were also set ablaze.
Ndume condemned the violence as “heartbreaking and deeply painful,” honouring the sacrifices of troops under Operation Hadin Kai.
He pledged to advocate for increased security measures, including more personnel, better weapons, and improved intelligence, to protect rural communities. Ndume urged locals to stay vigilant and cooperate with security forces to prevent further attacks.
In two separate incidents, the insurgents killed five farmers who incidentally were Muslims last Saturday in Ngoshe village.
At the same time, three Christians fell victim to the terror gang on Sunday in Mussa village, Askira-Uba Local Government Area.
The insurgents were also reported to have razed dozens of houses during the attacks.
Ndume, a former Chairman of the Senate Committee on Army, expressed dismay over an online media report which claimed that all the victims were Christians.
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According to him, it is unethical and unconscionable for any media outlet to drive such a narrative, warning that it is an ill wind that blows no good.
He said, “The forces behind these mindless killings are blind to faith and tribe. We should avoid this dangerous profiling, which can distract us. It tends to do us more harm.
“It can even inflame negative passion in our soldiers, dampen the morale of men who toil day and night, determined to ensure that they wipe away this dangerous sect.
“Our people, whose only pursuit is peace and livelihood, continue to fall victim to the cruelty of insurgents.
“These men and women deserved to live, to farm and to dream, but their lives are being cut short by those who thrive on violence and destruction.”
While commending the military for sustaining the fight against the insurgents, the senator reiterated his call on the Federal Government to prioritise the welfare of troops and provide adequate arms and ammunition to enable them to decisively defeat Boko Haram.