Army Vows To Contain Boko Haram

As Nigeria continues to face security challenges, especially threat to lives and properties posed  by the activities of the dreaded Islamic sect, Boko Haram, the 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, Enugu, has expressed its determination and readiness to deal with any group or individual that try to thwart the relative peace and stability people are currently enjoying in its area of jurisdiction.

Briefing newsmen in his office last Friday, the General Officer (GOC) Commanding the 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, Enugu, Major-General Sunday Idoko, made it clear that the constitution of Nigeria provides for free existence of Nigerians in any part of the country irrespective of tribe or religion.

This provision, he assured, “the government and security agencies are determined to enforce. We have heard what happened in Plateau, Borno, Yobe, Bauchi and Niger states where some churches were bombed on Christmas day”.

Describing these actions as regrettable that must be condemned by all peace loving Nigerians, Major- General Idoko further said: “Unfortunately, the group that claimed responsibility for these acts went further to order the relocation of some sections of Nigerians including  Christians and non indigenes from where they are to their home states or face the danger of losing their lives”.

Continuing, the GOC said: “This ugly trend, if allowed to freely continue can lead to serious breakdown of law and order. Therefore, there is the need to sensitize the public about the negative SMS trend and above all to reassure all law abiding citizens of our determination and readiness to deal with any group or individual that try to thwart the relative peace and stability we are enjoying in our area of responsibility”.

While insisting that the insecurity situation in some parts of the country occasioned by the activities of Boko Haram had not gone out of control, he warned that the sponsors of the deadly sect would not be spared irrespective of status in the society.

According to him, the security in 82 Division Area of Responsibility covering Abia , Anambra, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Benue , Cross River, Imo, and  Ebonyi  states, as well as   some parts of Taraba State was gradually improving.

On the recent Ezza-Ezillo crisis in Ebonyi state which claimed many lives, General Idoko said his division had not deployed soldiers to the affected area because the Nigerian Police Force was containing the crisis.