By James Orji
The Muslim Rights Concern, MURIC seems to have stirred the hornets nest by calling for amnesty for repentant Boko Haram insurgents. The group had urged those affected by the 12 years insurgency to support efforts by the federal and state governments to rehabilitate the returning terrorists back into the society.
MURIC was reacting to Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno state call for support for the re-integration of the terrorists into normal life after laying down their arms.
Hundreds of fighters, including their wives and children from the Abubakar Shekau-led faction of the deadly sect have surrendered to troops in Konduga, Gwoza and Bama in Borno.
The federal government said those who surrendered will go through the Safe Corridor programme which was launched in 2016 for the de-radicalisation, rehabilitation and re-integration (DRR) of ex-insurgents in the country.
But many prominent Nigerians including the Shehu of Borno Abubakar El-Kanemi, Senator Ali Ndume, representing Borno South in the National Assembly and others have called for accountability on the part of the insurgents.
El-Kanemi, who said it will be difficult to forgive the repentant insurgents for the crimes they committed, added that re-integrating them among the same people whose families have either been killed or maimed is a herculean task.
He said “The Safe Corridor programme of the Army led to the de-radicalisation of repentant terrorists in Gombe state. But it will be very difficult if not impossible for us to reintegrate the repentant insurgents into our destroyed communities.
“It is easy to forgive for the destruction of many lives and property, but difficult to forget the wanton loss of lives in the various communities of my Chiefdom,” El-Kanemi said.
But MURIC, through its leader Professor Ishaq Akintola has pleaded for forgiveness for the insurgents, urging the government to take the chance for a peaceful settlement with the insurgents.
Akintola said in a statement that, the North East war zone has witnessed a dramatic change with Boko Haram insurgents and ISWAP fighters laying down their arms in large number.
The statement said, “The state governor, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, yesterday (Wednesday) appealed to both the Federal Government and the Nigerian Army to assist the state in resettling the surrendering fighters.
“A governor who spends most of the day with troops at the war front and most of the night walking around the city, visiting hospitals and teaching in classrooms to ensure that all sectors are working needs to be supported.
“Peace-making is cheaper than fighting wars while meaningful development and growth can only occur in a peaceful environment. Federal government should therefore go all out in ensuring that its de-radicalising process is accompanied by stomach infrastructure and economic resettlement.”
He said other terrorists still in the forest will lay down their arms once the repentant ones have been fully resettled.
According to him “Boko Haram insurgents and ISWAP fighters, who are surrendering, should be resettled and trained in vocations that can enable them to cater for themselves and their families in future. Quick and meaningful resettlement will encourage the remaining insurgents and fighters to embrace peace.
Akintola warned against stigmatization against repentant terrorists, adding that the integration of the remorseful insurgents and fighters will bring an end to the restive North East.
