Atiku warns Buhari over releasing ‘repentant’ Boko Haram terrorists

The presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, on Thursday warned the President Muhammadu Buhari government, to “review its policy of releasing so-called ‘repentant’ terrorists”.

In a statement made available to journalists in Abuja on Thursday, Atiku bemoaned the level of insecurity in the country.

According to the former vice-president, both Muslim and Christian clerics now officiate funerals more than marriages and child dedication.

Atiku called on the Federal Government to take bold steps to end unnecessary deaths, because he was tired of issuing condolences on such deaths.

He said, “I have been travelling all over Nigeria and I meet with both Muslim and Christian clerics who tell me that in the North East and Middle Belt, they now officiate over more funerals than they do marriages and child dedications. This is heartbreaking and we must do something immediately to change the situation.

“Apart from funding, I advise the Federal Government to review its policy of releasing so-called ‘repentant’ terrorists. To think that the government can de-radicalise these individuals in so short a time is wishful thinking.

“Many people, myself included, think that the upsurge in terror activities coming after the release of such detainees is not coincidental.

“Finally, I urge the National Assembly to suo moto, take action to appropriate funds for our military on a fast-track basis. These are desperate times for Nigeria and desperate times call for dedication to duty of all concerned.

“I am tired of issuing condolences for unnecessary deaths. I prefer to make a difference and prevent unnecessary deaths amongst the gallant men and women of our armed forces and the civilian population they took an oath to protect.”