Boko Haram started with youth protests, Zulum warns

Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, has warned government as well as sponsors of #EndSARS protests not to throw the country into another round of prolonged war and insurgency, noting that Boko Haram started with youth protests.

He gave the warning on Friday while speaking with State House correspondents in Abuja after a meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari at the Presidential Villa.

Zulum, whose state has been a battleground for activities of insurgents, said the Boko Haram crisis in the North East started with protests by youths against the use of motorcycle helmets in the state capital, Maiduguri.

He lamented that over one million people had been displaced as a result of such youth protests that snowballed into Boko Haram activities.

Zulum said, “On the issue of #EndSARS, I am calling on all Nigerians especially the youths to be very careful. The whole Boko Haram saga started as a result of the protests by some youths in Maiduguri against the use of helmet by motorcycle riders. You have seen the situation now. Over one million people have been displaced and the most affected population are the vulnerable, the youth.

“Some of those that led the protests have left Borno State; they are either staying in Abuja or Lagos or abroad. We have to be very careful.”

The governor said the #EndSARS protests in his state did not come with colossal damage as witnessed in Lagos State because the youths were advised to examine the situation and recall the past when the situation was very bad.

He said, “Now, there is emerging peace in Borno State and we don’t want anybody to disrupt the peace. The youths are with us, we are taking very good care of them, palliatives are being distributed to them as and when due.

“We are giving them some certain financial support and I think the best way every Nigerian should seek for their right is through legitimate means, otherwise we are not going anywhere. Peace is very important,” he added.