THE NORTH IS GETTING A FEEL OF WHAT NIGER DELTA IS NOW USED TO.

The military Joint Task Force (JTF) established by the Federal Govern-ment to restore order to Borno State is now locked in a war of words with the Committee of Borno Elders and Leaders of Thought, accusing them of having sympathy for the sect, Boko Haram, which has been carrying out a bombing campaign in some parts of the North.

The elders had issued a statement on Monday asking for the withdrawal of troops from Maiduguri on the ground that their presence was rather escalating the crisis and that they were involved in human rights abuses, including rape.

But speaking to journalists Thursday, the Commander of the JTF code-named “Opera-tion Restore Order”, Major General Jack Okechukwu Nwaogbo, alleged that the “lies” against his men were “the handiwork of sponsors, sympathisers and members of the sect aimed at discrediting the task force so as to have a field day to operate”.

He said: “The JTF wishes to draw the attention of the public to some allegations against the personnel of the JTF in some of the national newspapers. One of such allegations was that hundreds of youths have been shot and killed by soldiers for no known reason other than they are young people.”

Nwaogbo said this allegation was not true as those killed were members of the Boko Haram sect, insisting that the officers of the JTF were professionals and were in the state to restore law and order.

He further said: “No member (of the JTF) is involved in rape… the cordon-and-search carried out is properly supervised by members of all security agencies.”

According to him, the youths that were responsible for the rape were reported and arrested with the assistance of the people in Gwange area and were currently in the custody of the JTF, and that one of them that was seriously beaten up had been admitted to the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH).

The commander lamented that it was sad that some people had now found their voices on happenings in Borno which they had kept quiet all along until the clampdown on the sect members started.

He asked what happened to these voices when the fundamentalists were having a field day killing and maiming at will and paralyzing businesses.

But the Borno elders and leaders of thought have reacted, insisting that the abuses actually took place.

The statement read: “The attention of this committee has been drawn to a widely circulated press release by the spokesman of the Joint Task Force operating in Maiduguri. The statement was to the effect that the spokesman of the soldiers was denying the involvement of their men in the mass killing of innocent people and destruction of houses, vehicle etc.

“This committee will want to re-echo its stand and state without an iota of doubt that the soldiers have engaged themselves in extra judicial killing of people and other ungodly acts unbecoming of their role as those who are supposed to safeguard the lives, property and dignity of Nigerians.

“We have incontrovertible evidences to prove our claims. For example even at the most recent incident at Kaleri, over 40 persons were killed while the Task Force claimed they killed only eleven as if the eleven human beings are nothing. So many houses and cars were burnt.”

The elders further said: “In any case, the affected communities are there and the remnants of items destroyed are also there. These are very easy to assess and verify. The communities affected know who did the damages. Those fleeing Maiduguri are still alive to give evidence.”

They lamented that, “it is very unfortunate that the JTF has been trying to justify their unacceptable and outrageous acts instead of showing remorse and checking the excesses of their men.”

They said they had not changed their minds on their call to the Federal Government to immediately withdraw all soldiers from the streets of Maiduguri, asking government that “to do otherwise would mean the intention is to destroy the city of Maiduguri”.

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has, meanwhile, added its voice to that of the elders, calling for the immediate withdrawal of the soldiers.

The NBA, in a press release signed by the chairmen of its Maiduguri and Biu chapters, Aminu Sani and Bala Aliyu, called on President Goodluck Jonathan to immediately withdraw the soldiers from Maiduguri and Jere.

The two chapters after rising from an emergency meeting in Maiduguri also condemned what it called “the excesses of the JTF” and called for a full investigation and prosecution of “all those found culpable in the atrocities perpetrated on innocent, defenceless citizens of Nigeria and Borno” on July 6 and 9.

Their demands included the setting up of a judiciary commission of inquiry to be headed by a retired or serving high court judge to investigate those who lost their lives and/or properties and recommend appropriate compensation; Borno State government to revisit the total ban on the use of motorcycles and to release without further delay the tricycles promised; improved intelligence gathering and have dialogue with the aggrieved members of the sect.

Also included are the prosecution of those responsible for the extra judicial killings of the leaders of Boko Haram members which should be publicised and addressing of the cause of the problems leading to the crisis of July 29, 2009.

In another press release, a paramount ruler in Borno State, the Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai El-Kanemi, has appealed to the people not to flee Maiduguri and neighbouring Jere because of the recent security challenge in the state.

He asked them to “remain calm, peaceful and law abiding”, adding that with “the current and on-going prayers across the state for peace, there is no cause for alarm and people should remain where they are and go about their normal business”.

The king also appealed to security agencies to be vigilant and perform their duties without unnecessary harassment of the populace, calling on the people not to relent in offering prayers for peace, unity, progress and development of the state and the nation at large.

http://www.thisdaylive.com/articles/jtf-accuses-borno-elders-of-backing-boko-haram/95051/

I know military the General (Nwaogbo) is qualified to serve in any region of the sovereign domain of Nigeria.

His presence as the voice, face and authority in Maiduguri commanding force against Boko is a political suicide for Gej and for Nwaogbo's people, the Igbos.

This is not tribalism; its the truth!!

The Boko problem is a political one first, before it is military. The opposing force to it must wear a politically accessible face to move the talks and negotiations an inch forward and convince the enemy to buy-into it.

Negro_Ntns:

I know military the General (Nwaogbo) is qualified to serve in any region of the sovereign domain of Nigeria.

His presence as the voice, face and authority in Maiduguri commanding force against Boko is a political suicide for Gej and for Nwaogbo's people, the Igbos.

This is not tribalism; its the truth!!

The Boko problem is a political one first, before it is military. The opposing force to it must wear a politically accessible face to move the talks and negotiations an inch forward and convince the enemy to buy-into it.

The same was done in the delta creek with 100%"brute force" attack but same cant be done in the north.
It's simply getting the job done and it happens He was chosen to lead the operation.
If they chose to make any funny meaning out of it then there's a problem,

same too, since the boko guys have decided to bring chaos and unrest, their so called elders did not have the guts to spew truth, nonsense. Now come the military there are talking nonsense to spare their lives in the hands of boko guys, nonsense

There wasn't anytime military intervened, that lives or there about innocent lives will not be affected. Think of the chaos in the north, the military is worth a try.

That was a wrong assertion cos it is military traditions to exchange personel regionally. Thats is the reasing why the JTF in creeks is always headed by northerner. Viz a viz.

Remember the last biafran upring was qeuched by JTF headed by a northerner. Chill BK are in for a huge one. In no time they will all come out hand's up. When you kill a military man you have unconventionally declare a WAR! No one mess around with US.

Do you know what we do when sent for peace keeping? We kill, plunder our enemy ra.ped their women and drink their beer .

Negro_Ntns:

I know military the General (Nwaogbo) is qualified to serve in any region of the sovereign domain of Nigeria.

His presence as the voice, face and authority in Maiduguri commanding force against Boko is a political suicide for Gej and for Nwaogbo's people, the Igbos.

This is not tribalism; its the truth!!

The Boko problem is a political one first, before it is military. The opposing force to it must wear a politically accessible face to move the talks and negotiations an inch forward and convince the enemy to buy-into it.

Negro spot on.Am in maiduguri and can tell you there is no single igbo man left i repeat no single.They all left yesterday

how is having men like nwaogbo going to solve the problem in borno he doesn't understand the region his voice to the situation in the region will not be more improtant than the elders, calling elders supporters of anyone because they are against military (nwaogbo's ignorant command) presence in maiduguri, the elders know better than the military and jonathan military should not be an option, it did not work in 2009 and it will not work today, he should not tell us that they know who they kill, they killed a 13 year old boy recently, anyone who dies in a line of fire is a terrorist? even developed countries like america do not leave civilians unharmed so he should not lie to us, mtschew

namfav:

how is having men like nwaogbo going to solve the problem in borno he doesn't understand the region his voice to the situation in the region will not be more improtant than the elders, calling elders supporters of anyone because they are against military (nwaogbo's ignorant command) presence in maiduguri, the elders know better than the military and jonathan military should not be an option, it did not work in 2009 and it will not work today, he should not tell us that they know who they kill, they killed a 13 year old boy recently, anyone who dies in a line of fire is a terrorist? even developed countries like america do not leave civilians unharmed so he should not lie to us, mtschew

Are you kidding ? How many times has boko haram admitted to having the support of the locals ? Who are these locals ?

namfav:

how is having men like nwaogbo going to solve the problem in borno he doesn't understand the region his voice to the situation in the region will not be more improtant than the elders, calling elders supporters of anyone because they are against military (nwaogbo's ignorant command) presence in maiduguri, the elders know better than the military and jonathan military should not be an option, it did not work in 2009 and it will not work today, he should not tell us that they know who they kill, they killed a 13 year old boy recently, anyone who dies in a line of fire is a terrorist? even developed countries like america do not leave civilians unharmed so he should not lie to us, mtschew

Now you know, Can you tell us what the men from the north know about the delta creeks? Do me I do is the sign language in Nigeria.
You just talk with your sense stucked to your armpit,

jtf carry go abeg, it's obvious the crackdown is bearing fruit. But wait o, what about those helicopter gun ships and jets from China, why haven't they deployed those machines yet ? I don't think they've tested those things since they bought them

henry101:

Now you know, Can you tell us what the men from the north know about the delta creeks? Do me I do is the sign language in Nigeria.
You just talk with your sense stucked to your armpit,

anus not armpit

the un peace keepers are never from places they are sent to for peace keeping

Those Bornu elders should shut up. Where have they been all these while that Boko Haram was wrecking havoc on innocent citizens? In fact, the fed govt should take note and if possible invite those elders for security assessment because I smell they are the foot soldiers of the politically disgruntled financiers and sponsors of the ungodly sect, employed to frustrate the govt of the day. Nonsense.

Ehen?. Do they expect the military to come and supply them with "fura de nunu"? As far as I'm concerned, the military is under-utilising their force there. This is a serious matter to the fed govt because the Boko Haram are rebels (enemy of the state), therefore full military might should be applied.

This is ridiculous, I am beginning to suspect that this government and its agents including JTF do not want this Boko Haram conflict to end. Why are they making public statements to the effect that Borno elders back Boko Haram? These are the people who can help the government fish out Boko Haram members - the government should be cooperating with these Elders and not pi'ssing them off!

If the government and JTF are sure of their claims, why not round these elders up and lock them the hell up? By the time they are water boarded one or two times, preferably in a detention center far away from their region, they will start spilling the beans on Boko Haram. GEJ and his agents will turn our dear country into Iraq and Afganistan at the rate they are going.

Our people talk say, a o kin beru ori, ka fi fila de'idi (pardon grammer and spelling), meaning we no fit fear head so tay, make we come wear cowboy hat for yansh instead of head. Round them up already, we are at war!!!

The federal government has the right to direct any suitable generel to lead the JTF, and those elders can shut up, everyone knows the inhumane acts the nigerian military is capable of and boko haram and the indegenes of borno were warned to observe SOE before army arive.

The federal government has the right to direct any suitable generel to lead the JTF, and those elders can shut up, everyone knows the inhumane acts the nigerian military is capable of and boko haram and the indegenes of borno were warned to observe SOE before army arive.

Weather their elders are backing them up or not, one thing remain certain-Nigeria does not have the facility to curb these menace because of our security lapses in the country. Boko haram is not a spirit for them to track, if the western countries can monitor other nations from their camera and other gadgets. how much more your own country, Nigerian leaders needs to have a rethink

Innocent my foot. Where were the so call elders when boko haram people were bombing and killing other innocent souls.

THOSE ELDERS ARE FOOLS THEY ARE NO FIT TO BE IN NIGERIA. IF I WERE THE PRESIDENT THOSE CALLING THEMSELVES ELDERS WILL FEEL ME.
COS THEY WILL HAVE TO TELL ME WHAT ROLE THEY PLAY WHEN THEIR CRIMINALS ARE HAVING A FIELD DAY KILLING AND MAIMING INNOCENT CITIZEN.
THEY SHOULD BE ARRESTED. IT IS GLARING THEY ARE THE ONE CAUSING HAVOC.

THEY ARE BUNCH OF  IDIOTS ONE CAN NOT TRUST WITH A POTATO GUN.

Guyz, what's really going on in Nigeria?

Do the state Nigeria actually exist or it's oil that's holding the particle termed Nigeria together?,

All these are litmus test for GEJ to prove 2 Nigerians that he've got the nerves to rule Nigeria.

What is the opinion or reactions  of the so called northern political forum and northern governors forum, this is the time the have to join hands and addresss a national issue and not only when it comes to who rules the nation. gej should be decisive after due consultations.[color=#006600][/color]

In any military action or operations in civilian populated areas,there is always bound to be collateral damage,u just cannot avoid it.Its happening in Libya,it happened in Iraq,Afghanistan etc.The blood of the dead innocents in Borno is on the heads of the foolish misguided elements called boko haram.If they hadn't fomented trouble,the dead would still be alive today.Those foolish borno elders should shut the f**k up and let the military do their job.

When the army comes into a situation it cannot be a tea party. Bornu elders ain't seen notin yet.

Guys guys guys, lets be objective here.
1. stop seeing the JTF with an ethnic eye. The military is the military.
2. The Bornu elders kept quiet as long as the wanton destruction was not affecting them. Are these guys really elders or heralds of destruction.
3. I do not think the elders made the statements they made on their own volition. They must have been threatened by the sect. Because from their statements, they were ordering the FG to withdraw the JTF while pleading with the sect to considers their plights.
4. Jonathan should invite the so called elders to Abuja. He should hold them responsible for the happenings in Borno state. They know what is going on.
5. The NBA in borno was talking about setting up a committee to look innocents that were killed. The question is, the innocents that were killed by the military or the sect?
6. Some people think the military is made up of robots who have no flesh and blood. Do you think they too want to die? once you are on peace keeping, you are also a death target? the military will not be smiling with the borno people because death is either way.
7. i think we should stop blaming the sect. Cutting down a tree with its branch still in the soil is a waste of time and energy. Gov Sheriff is the mastermind of all this. He should be brought to book.

The Boko Haram lunatics and all their sponsors should go to HELL where they belong. There's nothing the Fed govt needs to negotiate about with the islamic  terrorists. Boko Haram are terrorist and they should be declared to be taken either dead or alive,
Muslim as those that practice it says is a religion of peace and had dissociated itself from the lunatic, terror, fanatics islamic sect, the Boko Haram,

The JTF should shoot to kill if they find any lunatic terror Boko Haram anywhere.
Do u know how many innocent lives that have been lost due to their ignorancy in carrying out stupid orders in the name of fighting for God(Jihad)?

Enough is enough!

alj. harem where are u? You are one northerner who doesn't comment based on ethnicity, pls ur voice is needed here.

Negro_Ntns:

I know military the General (Nwaogbo) is qualified to serve in any region of the sovereign domain of Nigeria.

His presence as the voice, face and authority in Maiduguri commanding force against Boko is a political suicide for Gej and for Nwaogbo's people, the Igbos.

This is not tribalism; its the truth!!

The Boko problem is a political one first, before it is military. The opposing force to it must wear a politically accessible face to move the talks and negotiations an inch forward and convince the enemy to buy-into it.

Why so much cowardice by Nigerians?

Who are these elders and where were they all along?

don't believe everything that you read

~Bluetooth:

Are you kidding ? How many times has boko haram admitted to having the support of the locals ? Who are these locals ?

does he know the region, understands or relate to the region?  it is not the order of the people, instead of accusing the elders (foreign entities going against the elders has caused conflicts in many societies like afghanistan, somalia etc. we don't wan that), denying that his troops are responsible for extrajudicial murders he should talk about other solutions because military actions did not work in 2009, there is no proof it will work today

henry101:

Now you know, Can you tell us what the men from the north know about the delta creeks? Do me I do is the sign language in Nigeria.
You just talk with your sense stucked to your armpit,

lucenzo:

alj. harem where are u? You are one northerner who doesn't comment based on ethnicity, pls your voice is needed here.

Indeed,

I wish i were the CIC of this country, All the so called sponsors and perpetrators of those crimes would have either be dead or rot in jail by now.

They don't deserve to live around people. They belongs to HELL! Period!

Boko Haram has always claimed that they have 100% support of the locals and here comes the elders' committee shouting foul against the JTF, Something is fishy. And BTW why has no serious voice from the entire North come out to condemn these terrorists? Why? Military occupation is something that nobody should have, but the Borno people asked for it. They shielded terrorist for too long!

i beg, JTF fire dem mouths but no kill dem.

Pikin wey never see fight, na him dey pray make fight come. When mend were disturbing in the creeks; claiming they're bigger than our soldiers, when soldiers no be person tell them, make dem rush kon collect amnesty. When osisikankwu was terrorising aba, he claimed to have gotten all the charms, the military men came and taught different kind of shooting. Bokos were basking on misplaced ego, as if, the fit fight soldiers. Now, our men don dey show them wetin make UN to make them peacekeepers. ROFLMAO. Our soldiers remains the strongest in africa, no amount of challenge fit bring them down. U sure dem neva kill harem?