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Tag: boko haram

  • Boko Haram/ISWAP’s murder of preacher won’t break our trust in God – Christian group

    Despite the gruesome murder of Adamawa-based preacher, Rev Lawan Andimi, by Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists, the Northern Christian Forum of Nigeria (NCFN) has vowed to hold on to its faith and support for President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.

    The Christian group made this known at a press conference on Thursday condemning the wicked act which it described as “unfortunate and barbaric”.

    In a statement signed by President, Rev. Elijah Bitrus, NCFN revealed that the plan was to weaken their faith to discourage the evangelism and rapid spread of the gospel across the length and breadth of the country.

    Instead, however, this episode has enhanced their belief and uncompromising support for the president, according to Rev. Bitrus.

    The group hailed President Buhari’s effort in the fight against terrorism and corruption which sponsors and collaborators of the Boko Haram terrorists aren’t pleased with.

    NCFN, therefore, called on Nigerians to continue to cooperate and give full support to the government in the bid to rid of these elements that are hell bent on trying to instigate Nigerians against one another.

  • Photo: Eight year-old Boko Haram member executes abducted UNIMAID student

    Photo: Eight year-old Boko Haram member executes abducted UNIMAID student

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  • CALSER mourns pastor killed by Boko Haram/ISWAP, calls for unity of faith against terrorist ideology

    CALSER mourns pastor killed by Boko Haram/ISWAP, calls for unity of faith against terrorist ideology

    The Centre for Africa Liberation and Socio-Economic Rights (CALSER) has condemned the murder of Adamawa-based preacher, Lawan Andimi by Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists.

    In a press conference on Wednesday in Abuja, CALSER President, Princess Ajibola believes the killing of the Christian cleric shows the radical sect’s desperation to provoke sectarian strife that could ultimately birth crisis.

    According to the Centre, Boko Haram/ISWAP ideology has nothing to do with religion but rather sheer wickedness and evil against humanity.

    CALSER, therefore, called on Nigerians to unite irrespective of religious and ethnic divide to put an end to the terrorist’s devilish ideology.

    While tasking the Federal Government, through the various security agencies, to identify the perpetrators, CALSER further urged the international community to quit the silence and condemn the activities of the terrorist group.

    Read full address below:

    The Centre for Africa Liberation and Socio-Economic Rights (CALSER) condemns in the strongest terms the murder of Lawan Andimi, chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Michika local government area of Adamawa state by terrorists. We mourn the death of Pastor Andimi not just because of the tragic connections but because of the danger his murder poses to long term stability of Nigeria.

    The murder of the Christian clergy further confirms our fears that Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) are desperate to provoke sectarian strife that could see Nigerians attacking and counter-attacking each other if they fall for the terrorists’ strategy of deepening religious divides.

    CALSER therefore reminds Nigerians that Boko Haram/ISWAP ideology has nothing to do with religion but rather sheer wickedness and evil against humanity. Rather than being people that want to forcefully impose their religion on the rest of us, these terrorists are nothing but a bunch of criminals, psychopaths and sociopaths who hide their perversion behind religious claims.

    The killing of Pastor Andimi calls for sober reflection but even more is the need to have the appropriate responses from the various stakeholders. At the top of the hierarchy is the urgent need for unity of purpose by all men of goodwill, who must to come together irrespective of religious or ethnic affiliation to defeat the evil called Boko Haram/ISWAP.

    The clergy across all persuasions must condemn the dastardly murder while urging their followers to resist the temptation of taking steps that could create new problems for the country. Islamic clerics have the particularly arduous task of addressing conditions that make it possible for the terrorists to pervert religious teachings for brainwashing, recruiting, radicalizing and manipulating their members into disregarding the sanctity of human life.

    We call on the Federal Government, through the various security agencies, to particularly identify the terrorists involved in the pastor’s murder and promptly take justice to them to serve as a deterrence and a reminder that such reckless act of terrorism is not permissible irrespective of what international support Boko Haram and ISWAP enjoy. Nigerians and their military must not give up on reducing Boko Haram/ISWAP to ashes anywhere in the country and beyond.

    Whilst the international community continues to maintain the very shameful silence over the atrocities committed by Boko Haram/ISWAP in Nigeria’s north east, and while a section of the international media circuit continues to promote falsehood against the Nigerian military despite their sacrifices for the security of all citizens, we believe that the murder of Pastor Andimi should be a watershed and an opportunity for them to recalibrate and renounce all forms of support for the terrorists, implied, covert or overt.

    The world and its police body should not stop at just condemning the murder but must move further by taking practical steps that help countries affected by Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorism to bring the criminals and their sponsors to book.

  • Boko Haram/ISWAP: Inter-faith group calls for one day nationwide prayers against killers of Adamawa Pastor

    Boko Haram/ISWAP: Inter-faith group calls for one day nationwide prayers against killers of Adamawa Pastor

    Following the gruesome murder of an Adamawa-based pastor, the National Inter-Faith and Religious Organization for Peace (NIFROP) has called on Nigerians to embark on a one-day intensive prayer and fast against his killers.

    Rev. Lawan Andimi was Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria in Michika Local Government Area of Adamawa State before his abduction and abrupt death.

    In an emotional statement signed by Grand Patron on Tuesday, Archbishop Julius Ediwe, NIFROP sobbed over the demise considering all efforts put into securing his release from Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorist group.

    Bishop Ediwe described the slain pastor as a “man of God that preached the gospel of peace and unity in his area of jurisdiction” and “lived a life worthy of emulation in his actions and inactions in the propagation of the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ”.

    However, inter-faith group believes his murder is “ one too many” and something urgent needs to be done by Nigerians irrespective of faith.

    Hence, NIFROP called for a one-day prayer and fasting by people of all faith across the country to bring the wrath of God upon the Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorist and their collaborators that do not want peace and progress in Nigeria.

    The group reckoned that Nigerians need to seek the wrath of God to “ fall heavily on all those responsible for the death of Rev Andimi”, from the radical sect to its financiers and collaborators.

    Read full statement below:

    The National Inter-Faith and Religious Organization for Peace (NIFROP) are indeed saddened by the unfortunate killing of the Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria in Michika Local Government Area of Adamawa State, Rev. Lawan Andimi.

    The news came as a rude shock to NIFROP despite all the efforts that were put into securing his release from the hands of the Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorist group since his abduction for no justifiable cause other than the fact that he is a servant of the Lord’s vineyard.

    Rev. Lawan Andimi was a man of God that preached the gospel of peace and unity in his area of jurisdiction and his capacity as the Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria in Michika Local Government Area of Adamawa state. This death is indeed one too many for all lovers of peace in Nigeria regardless of our ethnic and religious affiliations.

    The National Inter-Faith and Religious Organizations for Peace (NIFROP) is consoled with the fact that Rev. Lawan Andimi lived a life worthy of emulation in his actions and inactions in the propagation of the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.

    Every Servant of God, whomever he may be and however important his work, must eventually rest from his labors. Even Prophet Elijah came to the end of his earthly span of service. There were very few witnesses on the earth in those days; good men were scarce, yet Prophet Elijah had to go! We are apt only to look at the earthly service of believers and to forget that our earthly ministry is only a preparation for our service in the ages to come.

    In the Book of Psalms 105: 15, the Holy Bible expressly stated thus: “Do not touch My anointed ones; do my prophets no harm.” The killing of Rev. Lawan Andimi by the Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorist group is indeed against this biblical injunction, and there shall be consequences.

    According to the Book of Romans 1:18, “For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth.”

    As an organization under the mantle of God, we pray that the wrath of God shall fall heavily on all those responsible for the death of Rev. Lawan Andimi in unquantifiable measures. All those that have conspired directly or indirectly to the death of the servant of God shall be visited with the wrath of God. This includes the financiers, local, and international promoters of the Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorist groups.

    The National Inter-Faith and Religious Organizations for Peace have indeed placed a curse that they shall indeed know no peace from this day onwards till the day of their destruction.

    The National Inter-Faith and Religious Organizations for Peace consequently call for a one-day prayer and fasting by people of all faith across the country to bring the wrath of God upon the Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorist and their collaborators that do not want peace and progress in Nigeria.

    In all of these, we give thanks to God almighty, as stated in the book of 1 Corinthians 15:57. “But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”

  • Army clears air on killing, abduction of soldiers by Boko Haram

    Army clears air on killing, abduction of soldiers by Boko Haram

    The Nigerian Army has dismissed the report of killing and abduction of soldiers by Boko Haram terrorists along Gwoza-Bama road in Borno.

    The Nigerian Army Operations Media Coordinator, Col. Aminu Iliyasu, in a statement on Tuesday, condemned a section of the media for such report.

    Some media platforms had reported on Sunday that 17 soldiers were killed in a confrontation with the terrorists around Banki Junction along Gwoza-Bama road.

    The report also added that some soldiers were also taken captive by the insurgents during the encounter.

    Iliyasu said that the reports were not true but simply the figments of the imaginations of their authors.

    He, however, challenged the authors of the report to tell their audience precisely where the said casualties were and where such imaginary fight actually took place.

    According to him, it is quite disappointing to also observe that, some international organisations have equally fallen prey to the Boko Haram/Islamic State West Africa Province propaganda antics.

    “It is pertinent to add that the Army Headquarters has keenly observed that fake news, particularly on security-related issues have become rampant from the inception of the New Year, 2020.

    “It is, therefore, necessary to warn the perpetrators to desist from unnecessarily peddling false reports that are capable of undermining the counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency efforts in the North East.

    “Contrary to some false insinuations making the rounds, the Maiduguri – Damaturu road as well as Bama – Gwoza road are some of the safest commuter roads with over 5,000 vehicles plying them daily.

    “To this end, the Nigerian Army wishes to unequivocally state that the claims contained in the disjointed reports under reference and indeed any recent claims of heavy casualties on Nigerian Army troops are nothing but fake, malicious and frivolous news reports.

    “We, therefore, request the general public to disregard them in their entirety.

    “The Nigerian Army also wishes to call on the good people of the entire North East to go about their legitimate businesses without any fear,” he said.

    Iliyasu stated that the worst days of Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists were completely over, adding that the gallant troops had successfully reduced them to common criminals who are now fighting themselves for a hiding space.

    He added that the troops’ efforts would not be deterred by sponsored false reports and insurgents’ propaganda being spread by some unpatriotic elements through fabricated media publications.

    “They have by their false, speculative and sensational reportage, continue to undermine national security either wittingly or unwittingly.

    “In so doing, they are not only soiling the good reputation of some media professionals but are indeed undermining the sacrificial efforts of the troops fighting the insurgents.

    “This is clearly demonstrated in the fabricated or unsubstantiated reports under reference.

    “The false reports, which could best be described as Yellow Journalism, have exposed the ignorance and the desperation of its authors and their unscrupulous but failed attempt at creating unnecessary security concerns where there is none,” he said.

  • CAN confirms execution of Adamawa chairman by Boko Haram

    CAN confirms execution of Adamawa chairman by Boko Haram

    The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has confirmed execution of its Michika chairman in Adamawa State, Rev Lawan Andimi, by Boko Haram insurgents
    It was learnt that Andimi was executed on Monday along with a soldier.

    Special Adviser to CAN President, Bayo Oladeji, confirmed the cleric was beheaded.

    He however said: “We are working on our response”.

    The Adamawa state Chairman of CAN, Dami Mamza also confirmed the incident.

    The beheaded church leader served as the Local Council Chapter Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and also a pastor with the Church of the Brethren (EYN) at the District Church Council of Michika.

    Insurgents abducted him during an invasion of the town on January 2 around 7:00 pm.

  • Boko Haram cuts off Maiduguri from National Grid

    Boko Haram cuts off Maiduguri from National Grid

    Maiduguri, capital of Borno State has been plunged into darkness since 17 January, after Boko Haram insurgents destroyed its connection to the national grid.

    The blackout also affected the city’s environs.

    Ndidi Mbah, spokesperson of the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), explained what happened and the efforts of the agency to restore power.

    “The Transmission Company of Nigeria hereby inform the public that Maiduguri and its environs have been cut off from the National Grid since January 17, 2020, due to damages to TCN’s equipment by insurgents,” Mbah said.

    “The incident affected the 330kV transmission line between Maiduguri and Damaturu. Also, the Damboa – Maiduguri 132kV transmission line has equally been disconnected from the grid for sometime, for the same reason.

    “TCN has located the fault on the Maiduguri – Damaturu line and has arranged to repair the line. Bulk electricity would be restored to Maiduguri on or before January 20, 2020.

    “TCN pledges to continue to work to ensure bulk electricity transmission and grid expansion nationwide. The company wishes to use this opportunity to commend the Nigeria Armed Forces for their continued support especially in areas prone to insecurity.

    “TCN regrets inconveniences caused by this problem to electricity consumers in the affected areas.”

  • Boko Haram resurgence: Last kick of a dying horse – Buratai

    Boko Haram resurgence: Last kick of a dying horse – Buratai

    The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai, has described the spates of attacks by Boko Haram insurgents which had claimed scores of soldiers and civilians as “the kicks of a dying horse”.

    The CAS reassured that the counter-insurgency operations in the North East and other ongoing operations against across the country were achieving ‘tremendous successes’.

    The insurgents had blown up the Gamboru Ngala bridge in Borno State on January 5, killing about 30 persons.

    A number of soldiers were also said to have been killed a few days ago during an attack on troops by the criminals.

    Following these incidents, the European Union parliament in a resolution on January 16 said the progress against the terrorists had stalled, noting that the security situation in Nigeria has deteriorated significantly.

    Apparently reacting to the EU resolution, Buratai in a statement on Monday, by the Nigerian Army Operations Media Coordinator, Col. Aminu Iliyasu, cautioned all local and foreign interests to exhibit more commitment and restraint on issues of national security and avoid taking sides.

    “Furthermore, all actions and utterances must be tailored towards supporting the national cause with a view to restoring peace and tranquillity to our beloved country,” it noted.

    The statement read in part, “The recent moribund activity of Boko Haram/Islamic State West Africa Province insurgents is synonymous with the kicks of a dying horse gasping for the last breath.

    “The Chief of Army Staff also warned all enemies of Nigeria and Nigerians who take delight in the sufferings of our innocent citizens that the day of reckoning is at their doorsteps.”

    The CAS said a review of the ongoing operations in the North East indicated a renewed zeal and determination by troops to take the counter-insurgency operations to its logical conclusion with favourable outcomes.

    He highlighted the decimation of many Boko Haram/Islamic State West Africa Province criminals, including some of their top commanders and arrests of the insurgents’ logistics suppliers and collaborators, the capture of arms and ammunition as well as the rescue of captives from the insurgents.

    Buratai assured the troops that their sacrifices and that of their fallen colleagues would not be in vain.

  • Tragic! 17 soldiers killed, scores captured in fresh Boko Haram attack

    Tragic! 17 soldiers killed, scores captured in fresh Boko Haram attack

    No fewer than 17 soldiers were killed, while many others were abducted in two confrontations on Friday and Saturday between the military and Boko Haram insurgents on Bama-Gwoza highway

    It was, however, gathered that the number of victims on the Boko Haram side were high, although it could not be ascertained as the time of filing this report.

    The insurgents were said to have initially attacked Firgi, 20 kilometres north of Pulka along the road from Gwoza to Bama on Friday.

    They were said to have killed 13 soldiers in the crossfire that took over two hours.

    The insurgents were said to have forced some of the soldiers to retreat.

    Sources added that the insurgents hauled away some arms, ammunition and vehicles belonging to the Nigerian Army.

    One of the sources said, “During the crossfire started around 10pm, 13 soldiers were killed with four of their vehicles taken away.

    “On Saturday, the insurgents came back to the same area to continue from where they left.”

    They were said to have attacked a military company at Banki junction on Bama-Gwoza Road around 10pm.

    The battle was said to have lasted for about three hours.

    It was gathered that the casualties on the side of the military were four, while that of the insurgents was not known.

    The insurgents were also said to have abducted some soldiers and carted away arms and ammunition.

     

     

  • 608 freed Boko Haram insurgents currently undergoing rehabilitation – military

    The military authority says no fewer than 608 repentant Boko Haram insurgents are currently undergoing De-radicalisation, Rehabilitation and Reintegration (DRR) Programme by Operation Safe Corridor (OSC) at Malam-Sidi, Gombe State.

    Brig:- Gen. Musa Ibrahim, Commandant DRR Camp OSC made this known when the Managing Director, North East Development Commission (NEDC), Mr Mohammed Alkali visited the camp on Saturday.

    He said 14 of the repentant insurgents were foreigners from Cameroon, Chad and Niger Republic.

    Ibrahim said: “From inception, we received 893 out of which 286 graduated and were returned to their respective states and countries for reintegration’’.

    He said the personnel in the camp were working diligently with the mandate of OSC in conformity with international best practices.

    According to him, the success of the programme will go a long way in restoring peace and security to the North East in particular and the country as a whole.

    Ibrahim said the programme was in need of five Hilux vans, additional vocational center, accommodation for camp staff and clients, and prompt release of funds to run the power generator among others.

    In his remarks, Alkali said the purpose of his visit was to have an on the spot appreciation of how the programme has been run.

    He said NEDC would do everything possible to ensure that the programme succeeded by providing them with facilities needed.

    ‘`Mr President established this organisation and the NEDC with the mandate to make sure peace came back to the region as it was before in terms of development’’, he said.

    He, therefore, urged unrepentant insurgents who were still in the bushes causing mayhem to come and embrace peace and live a normal life.

    News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Alkali also interacted with the repentant insurgents and inspected the camp facilities.

    NAN reports that a cross-section of the clients expressed delight in the Federal Government intervention to rehabilitate them even after collateral damages they had caused the country.