For the first time since the Boko Haram insurgence began in 2009, traditional sallah durbar (horse parade) was held amidst fanfare at the Shehu’s palace, Thursday, in Maiduguri, Borno State.
Governor Kashim Shettima was in attendance as special guest of honour and it was the first time a sallah durbar was held since he became Governor of Borno state in May, 2011.
The peaceful and colourful durbar took place soon after the Eid prayers, which was conducted at Ramat square, some two kilometres away from the Shehu’s palace in Maiduguri.
It was held following emergence of relative peace in the state owing to security operations and activities of youths volunteers nicknamed ‘civilian JTF’ who have been haunting Boko Haram insurgents in Maiduguri and other parts of the state.
The Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Abubakar Garbai Elkanemi had suspended the traditional sallah durbar since 2009 for fear of attacks from the insurgents.
The first major Boko Haram attack took place in July, 2009 leading to the deaths of hundreds of persons, amongst them the sect members, security agents and innocent citizens.
At the resumed durbar, traditional rulers were on colourful horse parade to the admiration of Governor Shettima, the Shehu and other dignitaries while residents cheered in high spirit.
Many residents have since started returning to the deserted homes and shops in areas worse affected by the crisis since 2009.
Shettima, while addressing guests at a sallah lunch he organised at the Government House, after the durbar, commended the tremendous efforts of the Military Joint Task Force (JTF) and the ‘Civilian JTF’ for sustaining relative peace which led to smooth celebration of the Eid-El Fitr Sallah in the state.
Shettima said, it was unfortunate that since the inception of the crisis, the Boko Haram insurgents had killed hundreds of residents and destroyed property worth hundreds of millions of naira which include over 800 public secondary and primary school classrooms, set ablaze in different communities across the state.
He, however, expressed optimism that with the gallant efforts of the JTF, vigilante youths and patriotic citizens, Borno was now witnessing peace in the state.
“Although, the state has encountered serious damages, we as government will not be deterred by the activities of terrorists as we will soon renovate and rehabilitate all the public structures destroyed by Boko Haram sects in the state, even as we will continue to support security agencies with our scarce resources in the fight against terrorism.
“We as government will never forget the effort of the JTF, Civilian JTF, the Media and of course all loving people of Borno for their untiring support, prayers and concern on how to end terrorists activities in our dear state and the country in general.
“It is the collective efforts and support we received from all and sundry that led to the successful and peaceful celebration of the Sallah and we urge everybody to continue to pray for the sustenance of peace in our State and country, Nigeria”. Shettima said.
The sallah lunch hosted by the Governor, was graced by security chiefs, government officials, journalists, political associates, party members, amongst others.
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