News
Boko Haram: Cleric Seeks Christians, Muslims Unity
Religious leaders, have called on Christian and Muslim faithful, to come together to check the threat posed to national unity by the Boko Haram sect.
Speaking to newsmen after an inter-religious stakeholders meeting in Lagos, the clerics said that the radical sect was bent on dividing the country along religious lines.
They, therefore, urged that the goal of Boko Haram could be defeated only through peaceful co-existence.
The meeting, which also had in attendance Gov. Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State, was held to foster religious harmony in the state.
National Imam, Ansar-Ul-Deen Society of Nigeria, Imam Abdul Rahman Ahmad described Boko Haram as a common enemy of both religions, adding that its ideology was anti-Islam.
He urged Muslims and Christians to shun the sentiments being promoted by the sect, warning that the bombings of worship places by the group should not be allowed to provoke a religious war.
“There is no problem between Muslims and Christians. The security situation in this country is not a religious issue and it is not a matter for any religious war.
“ It is just some evil people trying to hide under religion and as religious people, we should resolve to defeat the evil and the evil doers,’’ he said.
Also speaking, Prelate Ola Makinde of the Methodist Church of Nigeria, reiterated the call for religious harmony, urging all Nigerians to help in confronting the security challenges by helping government to track down members of the sect.
He also called on Nigerians to love one another, saying that it was difficult for evil to prevail in an atmosphere of love.
“There is so much insecurity in the country and we do not want anybody to put religious sentiments into the issue.
“We are, therefore, appealing to both Christians and Muslims to come together and be security-conscious.
“When you suspect any unusual movement or people of questionable character, please endeavour to report such to either your pastor or the nearest police station.
“We should also consider the dialogue option in this situation because it is better to embrace dialogue than to engage ourselves in war. We do not want any civil war in this country again,’’ he said.
Another cleric, Rev. Josiah Udofia, called on Nigerians to learn to forgive one another, stressing that forgiveness could go a long way in helping the nation at this time of need.
Fashola called for vigilance and religious tolerance, saying that this would provide the nation with the strength to overwhelm its present security challenges.
NAN reports that the Boko Haram sect has claimed responsibility for a number of bombings in the country.
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has tasked troops of Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD to dominate the battlespace and intensify offensive operations against kidnappers, bandits and other criminal elements in the North Central region.
Shaibu gave the directive yesterday during his maiden operational visit to the Headquarters, Joint Task Force North Central (JTF-NC), at Sobi Barracks, Ilorin.
This is contained in a statement by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Col. Appolonia Anele, in Abuja, yesterday.
Shaibu said the Nigerian Army would remain resolute in its constitutional responsibility of safeguarding lives and property, stressing that troops must sustain pressure to decisively deny criminal elements freedom of action.
He assured personnel of continued deployment of combat enablers and operational resources to enhance clearance operations and dismantle criminal hideouts across Kwara and Niger states.
The COAS reaffirmed his commitment to troop welfare, noting that improved welfare remained critical to sustaining morale, operational effectiveness and combat readiness.
He urged the troops to remain disciplined, professional and loyal to the Constitution and the democratically elected government.
Earlier, the Theatre Commander, JTF-NC Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD, Maj.-Gen. Yakubu Yahaya, commended the COAS for his strategic leadership and support.
Yahaya assured that troops would remain committed and steadfast in restoring peace and stability in the region.
The Nigerian Navy says it is expanding training and infrastructure to address emerging security threats and strengthen operational efficiency across formations and units nationwide.
The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Idi Abbas, spoke during the inauguration of projects at the Nigerian Navy Basic Training School (NNBTS) in Onne, Rivers as part of activities marking the Nigerian Navy’s 70th anniversary.
Abbas, represented by the Flag Officer Commanding, Naval Training Command (NAVTRAC), Rear Adm. Ebiobowei Zipele, said the projects reflected significant progress made by the navy since its establishment in 1956 from the British Royal Navy.
“Training and infrastructure have improved significantly to meet contemporary security challenges and fulfil the navy’s constitutional responsibilities.”
According to him, the anniversary provides the navy an opportunity to reflect on its achievements and contributions over the past seven decades.
Projects inaugurated included a remodelled female trainees’ hostel accommodating more than 500 occupants and an expanded golf course upgraded from one to nine holes.
Others were the NNBTS fuel dump, Chief Boatswain’s Mate House, renovated pharmacy department and a new theatre block at the Naval Medical Centre, Onne.
Abbas described the new theatre as a major milestone for the navy’s medical services.
“Previously, injured personnel requiring surgeries were referred outside the facility.
“With this theatre, surgeries can now be conducted within the base.’’
He added that a 30KVA inverter had also been installed to guarantee uninterrupted electricity supply at the training school.
The naval chief assured officers, ratings and trainees that the navy leadership remained committed to their welfare and wellbeing.
“These infrastructure upgrades show the commitment of the Chief of Naval Staff to addressing operational and welfare challenges promptly,” he said.
In addition, NAVTRAC distributed educational materials to pupils of Community Primary Schools One and Two, Ogale, in Ebubu-Eleme area of Rivers.
Items distributed included exercise books, school bags and other writing materials as part of the navy’s civil-military engagement initiative.
Zipele said the outreach was designed to strengthen relations between the navy and host communities while supporting children’s education.
“Education remains critical to national growth and youth empowerment. Some of these pupils may eventually serve in the Nigerian Navy,” he said.
He noted that the initiative demonstrated the navy’s commitment to educational development, peace, security and sustainable community relations.
Zipele urged the pupils to remain disciplined, focused and committed to their studies while embracing patriotism, integrity and hard work.
He thanked the Ebubu community for its continued support for the naval training command headquarters and the navy.
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