10,000 Civilians, Vigilantes, Retired Soldiers Request Permission To Fight Boko Haram

 

Nearly 10,000 people, including youth vigilantes, local hunters, retired military, police and para-military operatives, artisans and petty traders today vowed to confront Boko Haram insurgents in Borno State.

They resolved to use dane guns, sticks, bows and arrows to confront the insurgents as it came in the wake of emerging reports of Nigerian soldiers retreating from the war front as a result of alleged superior powers of the insurgents.

Of recent, the insurgents have taken over many towns and villages in Borno State, including Gwoza, Gamboru Ngala, Dikwa, Bama, Banki and many others.

Reports suggest that Boko Haram insurgents are also perfecting plans to attack the state capital, prompting the resolve of the people to rise against the move.

The volunteers gathered at the Ramat Square in Maiduguri today, before they proceeded to the Palace of the Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Abubakar Garbai Al-Amin El-Kanemi where they sought for his blessings ahead of
the operation.

They said they are ready to enter the infamous Sambisa Forest and also go to all captured towns in order to reclaim them.

The state Coordinator of the Civilian JTF, Mallam Abba Aji Kalli said they were at the Shehu's palace to seek for his blessings and fatherly advice.

He told the Shehu to beg the Federal Government to provide them arms and logistic support so that they can protect themselves and vulnerable citizens.

Speaking to journalists later, he said, “The various groups you see here have vowed to go after the Boko Haram insurgents even if we are not well armed. We are optimistic that with our Gora (Sticks in Hausa) and other local arms, we would raid all terrorists’ hideouts and kill them when given permission by the federal government.

“We have done this before when Maiduguri was a theatre of mindless killings by the Boko Haram, we chased them out of the town but they have regrouped in the bushes and are now attacking people.