• CAN decries resurgence of criminality, urges action
The Senate, yesterday, blamed the recent suicide bombing at Gwoza town in Borno State on failure of intelligence on the part of security forces.
Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, made the remarks in his contribution to the debate on a motion on the incident sponsored by the Chief whip, Mohammed Ali Ndume, at plenary. Ndume in his lead debate identified Mandara Mountains, Sambisa Forest and the Lake Chad region as the remaining terrorists’ havens.
The Red Chamber, in its resolutions, urged the Federal Government to direct the military to re-think its conventional strategies in fighting insurgency and other crimes by deploying modern technology and scientific tactics.
The lawmakers observed that relying on conventional methods alone, like deployment of troops, appeared not to be succeeding as terrorists continue to deploy non-conventional approaches in killing Nigerians and destroying their means of livelihood.
MEANWHILE, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has also condemned the attack, urging government to intensify efforts in ensuring the security and safety of all citizens, particularly in vulnerable regions
The body observed that the attacks in Gwoza were a “stark reminder that terrorism is a threat to our collective humanity,” regretting that innocent lives are being lost to these heinous acts.
In a statement in Abuja, CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, expressed concern over the resurgence of suicide bombing in the country, and urged religious leaders and Nigerians to unite against terrorism, violence and promote peace, love and harmony in the country.
He said: “The national leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) is deeply worried by the recent suicide attacks in Gwoza, Borno State, which have claimed numerous lives and injured many others.
“We are concerned about the resurgence of suicide bombing in our country and the threat it poses to the lives and livelihoods of Nigerians. This senseless act of violence is a stark reminder of the evil that terrorism represents, and the need for collective action to defeat it.”
Okoh commended the security agencies for working tirelessly to contain the threat of terrorism in the country, and implored them not to relent in their efforts, adding that every necessary intervention is welcome to prevent a relapse into the dark days of suicide attacks.
