Buhari pleads for more time, support to end insurgency

President Muhammadu Buhari has called for support for security agencies to end insurgency in the country.

He also pleads for more time even as he notes that ending insurgency is “beyond the simplistic options being bandied around.”

The President stated who this in his Christmas message, also spoke on the rescue of the abducted schoolboys of Government Science Secondary School, Kankara in Katsina State, youth development and COVID-19.

He urged Nigerians to trust his administration’s commitment to restore peace in the country.

He said as the commander-in-chief of the armed forces, he would “not shirk this cardinal responsibility to secure lives and property” of all Nigerians.

Apart from being hurt each time there was a  breach of the peace and security in any part of the country, he said he went through distress when schoolchildren are victims of criminals.

He called on Nigerians to use the season of goodwill and joy to renew their faith in the ability of his administration to make a lasting difference in their lives.

Buhari said, “To be sure, the problems are beyond the simplistic options being bandied around. We shall remain focused on following the complex, multi-dimensional route to reducing the incidents of insecurity to the barest minimum.

“Our people must be free to live and move without let or hindrance. This is crucial not only to enthroning an atmosphere of calm and social cohesion but for the economy to grow.”

Part of the message read, “In Christendom, Christmas season represents joy, peace, hope, love, goodwill and imminent salvation. These worthy values which Jesus’ Advent symbolize, are very much needed in our country at this time when we are confronted with diverse challenges like rising spate of armed banditry, kidnappings, insurgency, economic recession and upsurge of COVID-19 infections.

“I wish to, therefore, enjoin fellow compatriots to appropriate the hope that comes with Christmas and reinvest trust in this administration’s determination and unwavering commitment to restore peace, security and prosperity to our dear country.

“Under my watch, the Federal Government will continue to provide the needed support within available resources to the gallant members of our armed forces and security agencies as they confront threats to our citizens. While I commend them for their efforts so far, I urge them to do more to checkmate increasing incidents of security threats, especially in the northern parts of the country as well as the entire nation in varying degrees.

“Their display of tact, camaraderie and expertise that led to the recent return of abducted schoolboys of Government Science Secondary School, Kankara, will remain a milestone in the annals of the country.

“For me, providing security for all residents in the country remains an article of faith. It formed a vital segment of this administration’s three-point agenda right from inception, and we must follow through with it.

“I cannot in good conscience shirk this cardinal responsibility to secure lives and property. I feel pained each time a breach of peace and security occurs in any part of the nation. I am even more distressed when our youths, especially school children, are the targets and victims of mindless and malevolent elements in society.

“As a parent, I share the emotional torture and agony parents and guardians go through whenever their children and wards fall into the cruel hands of these enemies of decency and good society.

“I plead with fellow compatriots to give our military and other security agencies more time, cooperation, and support by volunteering credible intelligence/information on activities of armed bandits, insurgents, and other criminal elements within their communities in order to put an end to this blight on our security landscape.”