KAICIID Asks FG To Name Sponsors Of Banditry, Terrorism

A religious organisation under the aegis of the King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz International Centre for Interreligious and Intercultural Dialogue, KAICIID, on Monday asked the Federal Government to name the sponsors of terrorism and banditry in Nigeria.

The organisation made the call during a one-day round table discussion with the theme: ‘Insecurity in Nigeria and the Way Forward’, which held in Abuja.

The convener of the event, Rev. Fr. Stephen Ojapah said that it had become imperative that sponsors of insecurity in Nigeria must be specifically identified.

He said, “Insecurity has set Nigeria on the reverse gear. Our nation has suffered untold hardships and setbacks. Bandits and other terrorists organisations have had a field day, causing havoc to all citizens of this country either directly or indirectly.

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“We are going through a lot in this country. Insecurity has taken over the land. Virtually every part of the country is not safe. Our schools are not safe, and it is a source of concern for many of us. We can’t be living in a country where schools are being closed down because of insecurity.

“How do we intend to progress? How will investors come to our land? That is worrisome. As religious leaders, we are concerned that Nigeria has been making motions without actual movements.

“We are, therefore, advising the government to go after the sponsors of insecurity. We are aware there are people sponsoring terrorism. It’s not enough to buy Super Tucanos and gadgets while leaving the sponsors. It won’t address any security problems.

“So, let the government make public those who are supporting terrorism in this country. We need to know them, and deal with them. To us, the centre of gravity for Nigeria’s insecurity revolves around the sponsors of violence. Their motives involve destabilising the system.

“It is all about power and control. There are people who have made up their minds that this country will not progress.”