From Mustapha Isah Kwaru, Maiduguri
The Shehu of Borno and Chairman, Borno state Council of Chiefs, Alhaji Abubakar Garbai El-Kanemi yesterday cautioned members of the youth volunteers, popularly known as Civilian JTF, against engaging in unlawful acts.
El-Kanemi gave the advise while addressing members of the group, who paid him a visit in his palace in Maiduguri.
He commended the group for its efforts in combating the insurgency affecting the state.
“I wish to commend you for your numerous efforts and sacrifice in fighting the insurgency. I also wish to advise that you must conduct yourselves in lawful manner in anything you do,’’ Garbai said.
He added: “Since you are working in concert with security agencies, you must follow their advice and instructions in any undertaking. You must not take law into your hands no matter what happened.’’
Garbai expressed optimism that the Boko Haram insurgency will soon be over.
“Borno had faced similar crisis in the past, we have even emerged stronger. I believe that the current insurgency will also be over soon,’’ he said.
Garbai advised Nigerians to be prayerful and seek divine intervention to the numerous problems facing the country. “I am appealing to Nigerians, both Muslims and Christians to fast and pray; for we can seek God’s help on the problems.’’
Earlier, the state coordinator of the vigilante group, Malam Abba Aji told the monarch that they were in the palace to protest the increasing attacks by the Boko Haram insurgents in the state. “Our group is made up of local vigilante members, hunters, retired military, para-military and police officers,’’ Aji said.
He added: “We are in the palace to seek for permission from the military authorities to allow our members embark on an operation in the suspected Boko Haram hideout in Sambisa Forest. We are ready to sacrifice our lives by engaging the insurgents in their hideout.’
