A cross section of Damaturu residents yesterday, expressed joy over the recent victory of the Nigerian army over members of the Boko Haram sect in the North-East of the country.
They expressed their feelings in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, in Damaturu, the Yobe capital.
They expressed their feelings in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, in Damaturu, the Yobe capital.
Alhaji Ali Musa, a resident of Damaturu, told NAN that “the rededication of the security agents in the fight against insurgency has given us psychological relief with a sense of security.”
He also expressed delight over the reported killing of the sect’s leader, Abubakar Shekau.
Alhaji Bukar Yawale, a trader in Damaturu, said: “we have faith and confidence in the bravery of Nigeria’s security forces and their capability to dislodge the leadership and supporters of the insurgents.
“Given the needed equipment and motivation, the military will have defeated them long ago.”
Hajiya Aisha Bukar, a widow and mother of six, said: “although many lives have been lost, we thank God and the military for the turn of events against the insurgents.”
A lecturer at the state university, who declined to mention his name, said Nigeria must save itself from avoidable embarrassments it suffered in the hands of the insurgents.
He hinged his argument on the record of the country’s military in regional and international operations.
A cleric, who also spoke on condition of anonymity, commended the security agencies and called on the public to always volunteer useful information that would assist in the fight against the insurgents.
He said: “People should be vigilant of suspected persons or movements in their communities as the military destroy insurgents’ cells.
“The security should also intensify surveillance on the highways as fleeing bandits may resort to robbing motorists and commuters on the way.”
