http://www.ngrguardiannews.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=85561:mark-faults-govts-war-against-terror-&catid=1:national&Itemid=559
IT was a remark that aptly captured the citizenry’s trepidation over the matter and the speaker’s exasperation on the same issue. Coming from the nation’s Number Three Citizen and an Army general for that matter, perhaps those charged with the responsibility of stemming the terror attacks would rethink their failing strategies now.

At his maiden plenary session following a one-week medical trip to Israel, Senate President David Mark yesterday asked the Federal Government to take decisive action now to save the country from recurring violence orchestrated by the Boko Haram sect.

Mark described the current level of insecurity in the country as “unacceptable” and urged security agencies to up the ante in their efforts to curb the escalating bombing campaign being waged by the Boko Haram sect.

The Senate President stated: “The current level of insecurity in the country is totally unacceptable and something must be done to improve it and very quickly. The terrorists have declared war on Nigeria and Nigerians. Escalating acts of terror not only threaten our unity as a nation but also challenge the very human values we all believe in.

“This is the time for concerted action by all Nigerians, ethnicity, political affiliation and religious beliefs notwithstanding. We have a real problem on our hands and we must handle it with the seriousness that it deserves. We should never politicise it.”

Meanwhile, the Yobe State government has imposed a 14-hour curfew on Potiskum following last Wednesday’s attack on the town’s main cattle market and Monday’s protests by some clerics and youths over the incident.

Announcing the curfew in Damaturu, the state capital, the Police Commissioner, Moses Onireti, said: “The 14-hour curfew is to douse tension in Potiskum, as the youths set ablaze the Evangelical Church in West Africa (ECWA) and two blocks of classrooms at the Yindiski Primary School. The curfew takes effect from today (Tuesday) and will be continued until the security situation improves. Each day, the curfew will start at 4.00 p.m. and last until the dawn of the next day.”

Potiskum, which is one of the five local councils under emergency rule in Yobe, hitherto had had a 12-hour curfew from 6.00 p.m. to 6.00 a.m. (12 hours) until yesterday’s review.

The burnt cattle market has been cordoned by the JTF with four military posts.

However, Mark charged the citizenry not to despair over the state of insecurity in the country.

He stated: “In spite of all these bombings, we should not despair and we must not be disillusioned. We shall overcome through our collective determination.”

Mark also cautioned against incendiary statements, saying: “Divisive statements or finger-pointing are not helpful. Attempts to apportion blames for failures at this time on the terror threats will not lead to any practical and lasting solutions. The primary responsibility of tackling this challenge lies with the government but that notwithstanding, we all have roles to play.”

Advising the aggrieved in the country to express their grievances in a civil manner, Mark stressed the need for dialogue with the Boko Haram sect members.

His words: “I would like to add that these misguided groups are our brothers and sisters. Government must therefore explore all avenues to discuss with them. On the other hand, those who are aggrieved must find a better way to express their grievances. It is in the national interest that there is peace and security, particularly if we want the transformation agenda to succeed.

“I would like to assure Nigerians that the Senate will work tirelessly to enact laws for the peace, order and good governance of the federation with fear of God. On my part, I have sworn that I will continue to ensure that there is equity, justice and fairness.”