Jonathan Asks Neighbouring Countries To Help Tackle Boko Haram

Supreme Court Sacks 10 CPC  Lawmakers

AS concerted efforts are being intensified to bring down the dreaded Boko Haram terrorist group, President Goodluck Jonathan has asked Nigeria’s neighbours, particularly those on its northern frontier to cooperate with the nation’s security forces.

According to the President, the Federal Government is unwavering in its resolve to fight Boko Haram which he described as “a group of evil-minded people who want to cause anarchy to the end.”

Jonathan spoke at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa while conferring with the deputy prime minister of Niger Republic Mohame Bazoum, who brought a condolence message for lives lost during the Christmas day bombings in Madalla and across the northern parts of the country.

Bazoum also came with a separate solidarity message from the Nigerien President Issoufou Mahamadou.

Nigeria had re-energised its neighbourhood diplomacy premised on high calibre collaboration on security with Niger, Chad in particular.

The scheme also involves joint border co-operation as well as sharing of intelligence.

Jonathan noted yesterday that both Muslims and Christians were victims of the explosives planted by Boko Haram, and solicited “a concerted effort by well-meaning Nigerians to bring this problem under control”

Jonathan also agreed with President Issoufou that this was not a religious war, adding “no religion asks its followers to throw bombs to kill people they don’t even know”.

Specifically calling on Nigeria’s neighbours to cooperate with the Federal Government in the effort “to stop this evil” ,Jonathan  noted that “the perpetrators pass through borders at will and we have to ensure that there are no safe havens for them in the sub-region”.

Earlier, Bazoum said that President Issoufou was concerned about the violence and loss of lives, and assured President Jonathan of the fullest support in the efforts to check the activities of Boko Haram.

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By Oghogho Obayuwana, Abuja