Brig.-Gen. A.A. Eyitayo, The General Officer Commanding (GOC), 7 Division of the Nigerian Army, implored the Boko Haram terrorists to surrender and embrace peace at a feast organised for journalists by the army on Sunday in Maiduguri.
Eyitayo, who is also the Commander Sector 1, Operation Hadin Kai, said that the recent military onslaught against the insurgents dealt a decisive blow on the terrorists leaving their remnants in disarray.
He stated that nobody including the military was happy over the bloodshed, hence, the need for the remaining insurgents to leverage on the amnesty and repent their horrible and destructive ways.
He said, this would allow the insurgents the opportunity to enjoy rehabilitation and acquire skills to enable them to live a useful life in society.
The General Officer Commanding (GOC), applauded the contributions of the media in the counter-insurgency campaign and implored it to enlighten the insurgents so they can realise their wrongdoings and repent from their harmful activities. “We are not here for bloodletting, nobody is happy that people are dying.
“Some of them (insurgents) are listening to the media so it is good for us to appeal to them through the media to shun violence, turn up to seek forgiveness and reconciliation,” Eyitayo said.
According to him, the feast with journalists was to show appreciation of the media reportage of military operations in the state.
“For the past three months since I assumed duty in Maiduguri in this capacity, there has never been any bad report. parrotreporters.com
“This is to appreciate the media for positive reportage,” he said. Mohammed Ibrahim, Secretary, Nigeria Union of Journalists, Borno State Council, commended the GOC for carrying the media along and assured him of more support and cooperation.
Mohammed also lauded the military and other security agencies involved in the fight against insurgency for their sacrifices and urged them not to relent, adding that the people of the northeast region were solidly behind them. (NAN)
