Victor EzejaThe Nigerian presidency has reacted to the latest threat made by the terrorist gang that kidnapped passengers of the Kaduna-bound train that was attacked in March this year.
In a statement on Sunday July 24 by the Senior Special Assistant to the President, on Media & Publicity, Garba Shehu, the presidency said using acts of violence and propaganda by terrorist groups to force government to yield to their demands is not a new strategy globally.
The presidential media adviser said the government remains focused on its careful strategy in dealing with the security crisis in the country.
Shehu said the country’s military is ever ready and determined to tackle all security threats across the country.
In a video released recently, aterrorist group in the North western part of Nigeria threatened to kidnap President Muhammadu Buhari, and Governor Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna State if their demands are not met.
The video released showed some kidnap victims of the Abuja-Kaduna train attack being tortured by the terrorists.
The terrorists, who kidnapped over 60 passengers of the Abuja-Kaduna bound train on March 28, are also threatening to kill the remaining captives and boasted of turning the country into a killing field.
Shehu in the statement said the security forces are not clueless or helpless but have concrete plans and strategic ways of tackling the menace of insecurity which they don’t disclose through the media.
The presidential aide explained that in an attempt to rescue the kidnap victims, resorting to aerial bombardment of the terrorist locations as called for by many, may result in loss of lives of the innocent hostages. He stated that it requires a careful approach.
Shehu further stated that the defense forces are not relenting in their struggle to secure the country but needs vital support from the citizens especially as terrorism has become a global scourge that must be fought by all.
Part of the statement read: “Terrorist activity using propaganda and the use of violence to force governments to accept or submit to political demands is not new all over world.
“The country’s security and defense forces are not clueless or helpless. They have their plans and ways of doing things which they will not display in the media.
“The dilemmas in dealing with the specific case of train terrorists are manifold: punitive action like the popular call for carpet bombing of the known locations may assuage the desire of an angry public for revenge, but what about the hostages? They have committed no offense. All they did was to board a train.
“It suffices to say that the security forces are not relenting. They are acutely aware of their duties, responsibilities and what the nation expects of them. Whenever they embark upon those actions, they expect that the public should provide them with the needed support.
“Terrorism is a global scourge that must be fought by all actors- the military, the civilian population and the communication service providers. This is the only way safe havens of terrorists are eliminated in every part of the world.
“To help the nation against ongoing situation, the media must increase their support for the fight against the exploitation of the internet and social media for terrorist purposes.
“The Presidency, in the meantime wishes to reassure the public that the President has done all, and even more than what is expected of him as Commander-in-Chief by way of morale, material and equipment support to the military and expects nothing short of good results in the immediate.”
Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist with six years of experience writing on economy, politics and energy. He holds a Masters degree in Mass Communication.
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