Dont test Government's Will, David Mark warns Bokoharam

Senate President, David Mark on Sunday warned the Boko Haram insurgents against testing the will of the Federal Government and the might of its military by the insurgents continued refusal to release the abducted pupils of Government Girls Secondary School, Chibok, Borno State.

Mark, according to a statement in Abuja by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Paul Mumeh, stated this at the St. Patrick Catholic Church, Asaba, Delta State, during the funeral of late Lady Obi-Bridget  Okpuno, mother of High Chief Uche Okpuno.

The senate president, who stated his preference for a full military action against the perpetrators, noted that negotiation was no longer an option.

He said, “They have touched the hearts and souls of Nigerians by abducting and kidnapping our children. Children are our future. They have in effect declared war on Nigeria and Nigerians.

“I have been an advocate for dialogue with the Boko Haram elements in this country. But things have gone absolutely beyond bounds and no government will negotiate with Boko Haram as long as they keep our girls and our boys.

“They must free those they have abducted unconditionally. Nobody is going to negotiate with them on that basis.

“They must never test the will of the government. They must never test the might of the Nigerian armed forces. Above all, they must never test the power of the Nigerian people because we must stand united against evil.

“They must have taken government decision to negotiate with them for weakness. They must not. Nigerian armed forces have performed creditably well across the globe.  They will do even better at home to preserve our unity and sovereignty.

“We are not going to sit down and fold our hands. The Federal Government must intensify military action against the perpetrators and bring the issue of Boko Haram to a logical conclusion.

“The current situation in the country where some children have taken arms against their own country is totally unacceptable. Parents must share in the blame.”

Mark nevertheless prayed God to touch the hearts of the abductors so that they would free the girls before the insurgents incur the wrath of man and God.

Delta State Governor, Emmanuel Uduaghan, who also attended the event,  urged the citizens to abhor acts capable of undermining the peace, unity and security of the nation.

The Priest of St. Patrick Catholic Church, Rev. Fr. Leonard Biachi, preached on good neighbourliness and peaceful coexistence as a panacea to lingering crisis in the country.

Source: Punch