The factional leader of the now dreaded Boko Haram, Abubakar Shekau, has in a three-minute video not only debunked the death toll count by the State Governor of Borno, Babagana Zulum but revealed that it was an act of vengeance.
This is the third speculative count that has surfaced since the rice farmers were brutally murdered in their farms a little over a week away. The United Nations had earlier reported 110 individuals but retracted the claims on grounds that it was not confirmed. Shekau explained that this was to retaliate over the handing over of one of them and proferring intelligence to the military.
He took it a step further by threatening the rest that they would face the same fate should it ever repeat itself again. Read his transcribed statement below:
“You think you can nab our brother and hand him to soldiers and live in peace. You think Allah will forget what you have done to our brother.
“The third message is on those who notoriously nab our brethren and hand them to the military or give them a clue on us. You should know that, unless you repent, what happened to your people is awaiting you.”
Several calls for the president to sack the service chiefs or resign have flooded social media platforms. The Federal Government is however restrategizing on how to better protect the lives and properties.
The Nigeria Governor’s Forum held a virtual meeting today to discuss better ways to help secure the borders. In addition, the Senate also invited President Buhari over the killings in the State.
More recently, punch newspaper reported that the Federal Government has signed an agreement with China to supply military equipment to the Nigerian Militia at the Ministry of Defence Headquarters, Abuja to help bring the insecurity under control.