Borno Governor, Kashim Shettima, Wednesday evening, presided over the administration of oaths of allegiance to 500 traditional hunters, made up of Muslims and Christians, who will be sent out to support soldiers fighting Boko Haram.
Shettima used the Quran and Bible for the oath-taking where he said anyone who betrays Nigeria and the military will die.
The event witnessed by representatives of the military and the Commissioner of Police, was held at the multi-purpose hall of the Government House in Maiduguri.
Shettima said: “May anyone who reveals our strategy to Boko Haram or betrays allegiance to the military and Government in any way be consumed by this oath”.
He explained that the renewed attacks by insurgents in some parts of the State necessitated the fresh deployment of traditional hunters who have volunteered to compliment the progress being recorded by gallant soldiers.
The governor said even though there was no doubt concerning the sincerity of the traditional hunters selected, the oath was to eliminate any doubt which could arise especially since unlike the Civilian JTF who have worked longer with soldiers, engagement of the traditional hunters was comparatively new.
Thereafter, he allocated operational vehicles to the hunters and assured them of payment of monthly allowances and donated hundreds of bags in food items to support their families.
Earlier, Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice, Barrister Kaka Shehu Lawal, recalled that “a couple of months back in one of the state’s security council meetings attended by heads of military, police, DSS and other para-military formations in the state, the council resolved to engage 500 gallant traditional hunters to complement efforts of our security forces”.
“It is in view of the security council’s resolution that we present to you these set of gallant hunters for inauguration,” Shehu told Shettima.
Leader of the hunters, Mai Durma assured of his members’ combat readiness and allegiance to the Nigerian Army and Government as they offered to fight in defence of Borno people and Nigeria’s sovereignty.
Durma told fellow hunters to be mindful of what they swore to and commit themselves to efforts in regain peace in the state.
Comments