"Muslims, Christians are Killed": Ndume Warns Against Religious Profiling Amid Boko Haram Attacks
- Senator Ali Ndume warned against religious profiling, stressing that Boko Haram targets both Muslims and Christians in its attacks
- He condemned the killings in Ngoshe and Mussa communities in Borno, where eight people were murdered and houses razed
- Ndume called for stronger security, better intelligence, and responsible media reportage to avoid inflaming divisions
Ali Ndume, the senator representing Borno South, has warned against religious profiling.
This is, however, coming in the wake of resurgent Boko Haram attacks. He further stressed that the terror group does not discriminate based on faith.
Source: Twitter
The lawmaker issued the warning in a statement on Wednesday, September 3.
He made the calls following the recent attack on Ngoshe village in Gwoza Local Government Area and Mussa community in Askira-Uba Local Government Area, both in Borno state.
Boko Haram attacks communities in Borno
Over the weekend, a renewed Boko Haram attack in Borno state resulted in eight deaths. Also, five farmers were killed in Ngoshe, Gwoza LGA, and three youths were murdered in Mussa, Askira/Uba LGA, where homes and shops were also set ablaze.
This, Ndume condemned the violence as “heartbreaking and deeply painful,” honouring the sacrifices of troops under Operation Hadin Kai.
Ndume advocates for increased security measures
Ndume vowed to advocate for increased and improved security measures, including more personnel, better weapons, and improved intelligence. He noted that the aforementioned will protect rural communities.
Furthermore, 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, August 30, in Ngoshe village.
More so, at the same time, about three Christians tragically fell victim to the terror gang on Sunday, August 31, in Mussa village, Askira-Uba Local Government Area, Vanguard reported.
The insurgents were also reported to have razed dozens of houses during the attacks.
Ndume calls for improved media reportage
Source: Twitter
Ndume, who was the former Chairman of the Senate Committee on Army, expressed dismay over an online media report.
The report had alleged that all the victims were Christians, Punch reported.
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.”
Soldier planning to supply ammunition to Boko Haram nabbed
Previously, Legit.ng the Nigerian Army has arrested a soldier, identified as Lance Cpl. Saifullahi Garba (14NA/72/15972) for alleged gunrunning in Marte Local Government Area of Borno state.
Garba was arrested with 711 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition.
Source: Legit.ng
