Northern govs urge Boko Haram to embrace peace

Following the initiative of President Goodluck Jonathan to grant amnesty to members of the Boko Haram sect, the Governor of Niger State and Chairman, Northern States Governors Forum, Babangida Aliyu, on Friday called on the insurgents to embrace peace.

This was contained in a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mr. Israel A. Ebije.

The statement commended the federal government for the announced amnesty.

According to the forum chairman, the Northern states governors are ready to cooperate with federal government to address grievances of the insurgents adding that steps would be taken to ensure that they are usefully re-integrated into the society.

Aliyu said, 'The move by the federal government is laudable, as it would help restore peace and harmony in trouble areas of the country.'

He therefore insisted that until members of the sect lay down their arms, development and growth of the region will only be a mirage.

He said, 'The issue of insecurity has increased fear, encouraged suspicion and put national development in the reverse gear which has affected people's lives.

'The essence of nationhood can only be revived when lasting peace, reconciliation and political harmony is propagated and sustained.'

He urged the federal government to remain focused in finding peaceful means in handling insurgency in the country. Punch