Support for Boko Haram is crime against humanity, says Shettima

Borno State Governor Kashim Shettima has said that individuals and groups of people having “negative links and evidences” to Boko Haram are to face the wrath of law.

The governor gave the order in a video clip made available to journalists yesterday at the Government House, Maiduguri.

He said some insurgents living outside the battlefronts and those supporting them ‎conceal their identities, thereby making it impossible for innocent citizens to identify them, adding: “As a result, the citizens may associate with them without knowing what they do behind,” said Shettima.

He said anybody that chooses to affiliate with insurgents for the wrong reasons has committed crime against humanity and would face justice, no matter who the person might be, noting, however, that majority of the people of Borno remain committed to the fight against the insurgents and terrorism since July 2009.

On arrested insurgents, Shettima said: “I have met parents who exposed their insurgent biological children and handed them over to security forces to face justice. I know that insurgents and their allies often hide their identity so well that the citizens might innocently associate with them.

“But the patriotism of parents who turn in their children has always strengthened our resolve. This is why I strongly say to security agencies that anyone factually suspected of despicable links with the Boko Haram and other criminals should face justice, even if that person happens to be one of my three biological children.

“Support for insurgents is a crime against humanity. I have met parents who encouraged their children to join the Civilian JTF and risk their lives to fight insurgents. I have even met parents who remained contended and proud even after their sons died fighting under the Civilian JTF. I have seen elderly men and young girls organise themselves to join the fight as vigilantes and the Civilian JTF.”

“‎In recent days and weeks, we have come under renewed attacks that horribly remind us that our security challenges are still longing. It is regrettable that this upsurge in suicide attacks came not long after the patriotic military forces recaptured Sambisa Forest, which used to be the operational zone of the terrorists and where these mass murderers used to train, prepare and launch bold attacks on our communities.”