From:Femi Oyelola in Kaduna
The North-East Youth Revival Movement (NEYM) has expressed deep sorrow and outrage in response to the recent attack by Boko Haram terrorists on a military base in Marte, Borno State, which tragically resulted in the loss of five brave soldiers.
The youth group, in a statement issued by its Chairman, Abbarious Lawal, and made available to the media in Kaduna, stated that the incident has reignited the urgent discourse surrounding Nigeria’s ongoing battle against terrorism and has laid bare the glaring inadequacies of our defense leadership.
“The attack on our military personnel not only underscores the immediate dangers faced by those charged with protecting our nation but also highlights the broader implications of insecurity on our civilian population and the stability of our nation”.
Recall that on Monday, Boko Haram insurgents launched a coordinated assault on a forward operating base, overpowering the soldiers stationed there, looting weapons, and seizing military vehicles, which the group said was the aftermath of the assault was catastrophic as soldiers were demoralized and terrified, abandoning their posts and fleeing back to their villages.
“This alarming behavior illustrates a critical crisis of confidence within our military ranks, echoing the widespread reports of desertion in the face of insurgent attacks. The harrowing sight of a commanding officer’s vehicle, along with essential military resources, falling into the hands of the insurgents further compromises our operational capacity and undermines morale, perpetuating a vicious cycle of insecurity and fear.
“The implications of this attack extend far beyond military confines, affecting the civilian population profoundly. Residents of surrounding communities, gripped by fear of further violence, have fled to safer areas such as Dikwa, Lukumani, and Mafa.
“The ongoing conflict has spiraled into a humanitarian crisis, displacing millions and forcing them into overcrowded internally displaced persons (IDP) camps that lack basic services.”
