Fashola Urges Support For FG On Anti-terror War

The Lagos State Governor, Mr Babatunde Fashola, on Thursday called on Nigerians to support the Federal Government in its bid to crush the insurgency in some parts of the country.

Fashola made the call in Ikeja while addressing a group of women, protesting the continued killing of Nigerians by the Boko Haram terrorist group.

The governor who was represented by the state's Head of Service, Mrs Olusheyi Williams, decried what he termed the apparent lack of security consciousness among Nigerians.

“We lack the culture of taking notice of our immediate environment.

“Intelligence gathering entails information which cannot be obtained without the assistance of the people within that environment.''

He commended the women for using the protest to send a message that Nigerians were tired of the incessant killings by the sect, adding that there was need to assist the security agencies.

“I know how most Nigerians, especially those directly affected feel.

“We feel the same pain that innocent Nigerians, especially children have become victims of this horror.

“However, we must do our part as citizens to assist in our own little ways,'' the governor said.

The convener of the protest, Mrs Laila St.Mathews-Daniel, who is also an activist, said the women were sad that the insurgency in Nigeria had festered for long without resolution.

“We are calling on government to quickly identify lasting solutions to end the mayhem.

“We also want government to ensure that members of the affected communities, particularly women are included at the decision-making process.

“We insist that adequate protection and security should be provided for citizens of Adamawa, Borno and other locations experiencing insecurity.''

St.Mathews-Daniel urged the Federal Government to compensate victims and survivors, particularly women and children.

The leader of the protesters, Dr Joe Odumakin, of the `Women Arise` group, said that they embarked on the protest to express their displeasure over the “senseless“ killing of innocent children at the Federal Government College, Yobe and the abduction of 25 girls from their schools in Borno.

Other members of the Lagos State Executive who received the protesters, include Mr Lateef Ibirogba, Commissioner for Information as well as the and Special Adviser to the Governor on Political Matters, Mr Lateef Raji.

NAN recalls that the insurgents reportedly murdered about 40 students of the Federal Government College, Yobe on Feb. 25. (NAN)