Terrorists Desecrating Nigeria’s Sovereignty – Group

EMEKA WILLIAMS

A group, Concerned Citizens Against Terrorism in Nigeria, CONCATN, during a recent post independence anniversary rally held in Lagos to condemn acts of terrorism in Nigeria, particularly in the very prone areas of the North, have decried the spate of killings by insurgent groups, pointing that it was an affront, violation and a lethal invasion of a sovereign land.

The group’s President, Calistus Okechukwu Oraka, who was the first to entertain questions from the press said that it was unfortunate that the attacks which made the group to forcefully vacate their abode in Maiduguri were yet to abate several months after.

According to him, CONCATN came into being after attacks by insurgents in the community where they lived in Borno State; the attack he said claimed many lives and from which some of them narrowly escaped.

Oraka speaking further emphasized the group’s resolve to continue the campaign against terrorism and its many perpetrators and sponsors despite the threats and dangers that accompany the risky moves they have and would continue to make. He noted that the activities of CONCATN will not be affected by any sectional influences even though the Exco is pursuing to officially register the organization for global impacts.

Contributing, CONCATN’s Vice President / Publicity Secretary, Kennedy Imafido Oboh, buttressed the need for Nigerians anywhere in the country to be security conscious and ready to combat evil acts that have the coloration of terror. He noted that a situation where young people pay little value on human life is dangerous. Oboh said that callousness, greed and excessive penchant for materials prosperity are some of the causes of terror attacks and culture.

Worrying further, Oboh condemned the latest ugly trends in Nigeria; a situation he said has given Nigeria an unpleasant identity. “I don’t know how we got here. This is obviously a cross-roads for Nigeria. And the earlier we began to purge our land of these evils against humanity the better. It’s a terrible thing, so terrible that people are even afraid to speak up against evil or inhumanity. I remember how much people discouraged us from doing what we are doing when we took the bold step to stage a protest at the Local Govt. Secretariat of Ngala LGA,  Gamboru, Borno State. I also remember how my colleagues and I had to run for our lives sequel to that march against killers and blood letters. That protest heralded strange phone calls, warnings and attempts on our lives. We had to run after loved ones were killed” he said.

Peter Odeyale Oyeniyi, Secretary of the group, speaking in the same vein expressed disappointment in the authorities who were unable to nip the activities of Boko Haram in the bud until they have become a torn in the flesh of the nation. He opined that the recent killing of Liman Hauwa, staff of the International Committee for the Red Cross –ICRC is a signal for terrible things to come in the country if nothing strategic is done. Lamenting, Oyeniyi said that more groups need to arise in condemnation of Boko Haram and their allies. “It sounded like echoes from a gangster movie when I heard of the execution of Liman who was engaged in a godly and humanitarian duty. It caused the regurgitation of how about 200 girls were taken from the Chibok School without the slightest challenge or confrontation from security agencies. It tells volumes of the level of insecurity in the country. A lot needs to be done to change the trend and tame agents of doom”.

Oyeniyi however urged Nigerians to continue to be patriotic and expectant of a better nation, stating that leadership/Political economic terrorism, reign of injustice, oppression, suppression and forms of deprivation are parental to the evil of modern day terrorism that now contend for our peace and stability as a nation.