The Northern States Governors Forum (NSGF) has appealed to members of Boko Haram to give peace a chance, saying reverting to attacks and other acts of violence after an offer of amnesty by the federal government will not advance the course of peace. Chairman of the forum and Governor of Niger State, Dr Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu said on Friday that the renewed violence that hit parts of Borno and Yobe States on Thursday negated all efforts to restore peace to the region.
In a statement in Abuja signed by Governor Aliyu’s Chief Press Secretary, Danladi Ndayebo, the forum expressed serious concern at the fresh wave of attacks which left nine policemen dead and many buildings destroyed in Bama in Borno State and Gashua in Yobe State.
The Forum described the death of the policemen as a great national loss, referring to the deceased as heroes who died in the course of service to our fatherland, and prayed that God will grant repose to their souls and give their families and friends the fortitude to bear the loss.
The statement urged the military, the police and other security agencies not to be discouraged by the dastardly act, emphasizing that the nation would forever remain grateful to security agencies for the successes recorded so far in the war against terror.
The forum reiterated its commitment to continue to work closely with the federal government in finding a lasting solution to the security challenges confronting the nation.
