The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, on Thursday spoke on the deadly bomb explosions that led to multiple deaths and injuries in Maiduguri, Borno State capital, urging the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) to adopt a more proactive and aggressive strategy in confronting terrorists by taking the battle to them.
The Sultan, a retired Brigadier General, while officially declaring Friday as Eid al-Fitr signalling the end of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, condemned the attacks.
Sultan Abubakar III asked: “Are we now back to the bad old days?
“We condemn this new wave of bomb attacks in the strongest terms and charge the military and other security and intelligence agencies to step up efforts to nip terrorism and insurgency in the bud.”
He stressed that security operations must be proactive, urging authorities to take the battle directly to insurgents rather than waiting for attacks to occur.
“Relocation of Army and other security chiefs should not be ceremonial. Take the war to the terrorists where they are. Don’t wait for them to strike before defending or finding remedies,” he added.
Reaffirming his long-standing stance, the Sultan described the violence as un-Islamic and warned against linking terrorism to the religion.
“It is un-Islamic and not recognised by Islam. It should not be attributed to Islam,” he said.
“The government must summon the political will required to ensure effective security for all citizens, regardless of religion or tribe, and stamp out these criminal elements nationwide.”
He, however, extended condolences to the government and people of Borno State, as well as families affected by the attacks, praying for the repose of the victims and speedy recovery for the injured.
According to him, decisive action is necessary to sustain peace, unity and development across Nigeria.
The monarch also advised Nigerians to continue promoting peaceful coexistence and national unity in their communities.