By JULIANA TAIWO-OBALONYE, Abuja President Goodluck Jonathan said yesterday that Sunday’s attacks by Boko Haram on churches in three villages near Chibok, Borno State are meant to instigate violence among religious groups in the country. The President, who condemned the attacks, said the insurgents have just proven by the latest violence that they are totally misguided and are using the cover of religion to commit crime against their country men and women.
He urged the citizenry to resist this new attempt to undermine the nation’s firm and collective resolve to unite in full support of its armed forces and security agencies against the vicious perpetrators of brutal attacks on innocent citizens.
His Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati, in a statement said, “the President deplores the renewed targeting by Boko Haram of adherents of a particular religion and urges all lovers of peace and unity to condemn the resurgence of efforts by agents of global terrorism to disunite and destabilize Nigeria by callously instigating violence among religious groups in the country.
“President Jonathan shares the views of learned Islamic leaders and scholars that no true Muslim will resort to the mindless killing of innocent people at any time, especially not during the holy month of Ramadan, to redress any perceived grievance.
“The President believes, therefore, that Sunday’s attacks on churches and other similar atrocities by Boko Haram are conclusive proof, if any is still needed, that its leaders and members are thoroughly misguided persons who are only using religion as a cover for their reprehensible crimes against their countrymen and women.
“President Jonathan urges all Nigerians, irrespective of their religious beliefs, to resist this new attempt to undermine the nation’s firm and collective resolve to unite in full support of its armed forces and security agencies against the vicious perpetrators of brutal attacks on innocent citizens.
“The President assures all Nigerians once again that the Federal Government and security agencies will continue to intensify ongoing efforts to end Boko Haram’s senseless attacks until the terrorists are routed and totally defeated.
He commiserated with the families and churches that lost loved ones, members and places of worship during Sunday’s attacks,” Abiti said.