Interfaith Dialogue Forum for Peace chairman warns Boko Haram insurgency could spread

INTERFAITH Dialogue Forum for Peace (IDFP) co-chairman Bishop Sunday Onuoha has warned that the Boko Haram insurgency may spread to other states across the northeast during the course of 2019 if left unaddressed.

Since 2009, Boko Haram has been waging war of insurgency against Nigeria and at one stage controlled as many as 13 local government areas in Borno and Yobe states. Since 2014, the terrorists have been reigned back but over recent weeks, Boko Haram appeared to have revived itself again, carrying out daring raids against military formations in Borno State.

Over the last few weeks, Boko Haram has attacked military formations in Metele, Kangarwa, Malumfatori and Arge in Borno State. It has also launched offensives in the Buni Gari area of Yobe State, prompting soldiers to avoid postings to the volatile region, while those already serving there are seeking to get redeployed.

Bishop Onuoha has, however, warned that the Boko Haram insurgency in the northeast may spread to Bauchi, Taraba, Gombe and Adamawa states if the present security challenges in the country are left untackled. Speaking at the IDFP's second general assembly yesterday in Abuja yesterday with the theme 2019 general elections and national security: The role of interfaith communities, he warned of dire times ahead.

“In Borno and Yobe States, the Boko Haram insurgency has taken a dangerous dimension, leading to increasing number of dead armed forces and Mobile Police personnel as well as the destruction of their equipment. This sad situation could spread to states like Bauchi, Taraba, Gombe, Adamawa and Taraba leading to the displacement of thousands of people who will seek refuge in over-crowded internally displaced persons’ camps.

“We have over time built more powerful individuals while our institutions remain weak. Those who have presented themselves for elective positions should be willing to accept the outcome of the election," Bishop Onuoha added.

He said the perceived lopsidedness in the leadership of the security forces should be addressed too, pointing out that the security situation during the 2015 elections was not as bad as it is today. Also, the cleric specifically said the kidnappings in the southwest, the armed robbery and militancy in the southeast and south-south, similarly needed to be addressed urgently.

Bishop Onuoha then enjoined the faith community to pray for the success of the forthcoming elections and stability of the country while harping less on predictions of possible winners or losers of the presidential election. Nigeria's presidential election will hold on February 16, while governorship polls will take place on March 2.