Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI) National Headquarters’ received with shock and
bewilderment the cruel and rattled attacks on innocent people of Bama in
Borno State. However, more devastating and painful was the attack on Shehu
of Bama’s Palace, which was reported to have claimed about fourty (40)
lives, including the son of the Shehu of Bama, senior counsellors/aids of
Bama Emirate Council and properties worth over millions of naira destroyed
after setting a substantial part of the palace on fire.
It is quite unfortunate, regrettable and condemnable that, after the
unfortunate Konduga, Izge(Gwoza), Madagali massacres which should have
been the last in such attacks at these times, a more diabolical attack
would be unleashed on innocent citizens of Bama in Borno State, and would
continue unabated for a number of hours. Indeed this is the peak of
barbarism and lawlessness.
Regrettably, while we are in mourning period praying to Allah (SWT)
fervently for consolation and waiting to see the measures that government
will take for us to be overwhelmed, yet another catastrophic attack in
Bama was reported. This sends a very negative impression to the discerning
mind about the state of affairs vis-a-vis security in Nigeria. This act
cannot be seen happening in any developed part of the world.
JNI lament this sorry state of violence and insecurity in the strongest
terms, for the nation seems to be gradually sliding into lawlessness
leading to multiple losses of innocent lives. However, JNI sends its
condolences to the Government and good people of Borno State as well as to
His Royal Highness, the Shehu of Bama, Alhaji Kyari Ibn Umar El-Kanemi,
CON, over the unfortunate recurring attacks in Bama, on his family and the
palace in Bama, Borno State.
JNI reiterates its several calls that rules of engagement should be
professionally employed by the Joint Task Force and other security
agencies in curbing insurgencies in Nigeria so as to reduce collateral
damages recorded in such types of upheavals. The Federal Government must
be seen doing something positive beyond lip assurances.
Dr. Khalid Abubakar Aliyu
Secretary General