Residents of Maiduguri, Borno state, have allegedly accused the JFF of killing innocent residents following the killing of General Mamman Shuwa on Friday by gunmen suspected to be members of the Islamic militant, Boko Haram.
According to reports, JTF cordoned off major black spot in Maiduguri, where they engaged sect members in a battle that resulted in the killings of over 30 sect members and innocent civilians.
“We were told that, they are taking them from house to house and the JTF is making some many arrests. Those who were said to have been killed by the JTF were also said to be carrying weapon. A lot of people are still running away from the areas even as there was exchange of fire this morning where we also learnt that people were killed.” A resident told Daily Post in Maiduguri.
However, the Joint Task Force, Operation Restore Order in Borno has debunked the rumour and reports by some National Dailies with regards to the killings in the state.
According to Lt. Col. Sagir Musa, “The attention of the JTF Operation Restore Order has been drawn to a publication in some national dailies based on Associated Press news report that the JTF had killed over 30 people in Maiduguri in an operation and in retaliation to killing of late General Shuwa. The reports are false, mischievous and terrorist propaganda aimed to further create fear and whip public sentiment against the JTF in furtherance of Boko Haram terrorists cause.”
Lt. Col. Sagir Musa also told newsmen in Maiduguri that the task force wishes to state that there was and there are no such killings in Maiduguri and challenged the authors of such reports to leave their comfort rooms and come to Maiduguri and show the world the so-called dead bodies and where they were killed.
“We urged the media particularly AP to desist from destructive reporting on security issues in Borno state, and to always seek for JTF clarification before going to press.” Lt. Col. Sagir Musa said.
Meanwhile, late General Muhammed Shuwa was buried today at Gwange cemetery. He was laid to rest at 10:30am with Borno state governor, Alhaji Kashim Sheittima and his cabinet members, Ambassador Gaji Galtimari, the Shehu of Borno, Emir of Bama, religious leaders in the state and other sympathizers in attendance.
Friends and associates of the late General who spoke to newsmen said, “the dead of Shuwa can be described as one dead too many, because his has until his dead remain a binding factor of the Shuwa/Kanuri race in Borno. Those who killed him have destroyed so many things that the two tribes of Kanuri and Shuwa stand for. The General is no more, only history could recalled him, but it was a blow to Borno state and Nigeria.”
A relation of the deceased also told newsmen in Maiduguri that, so many people have been killed and life is life anywhere, however, the General was a pillar not only to the people of Borno state, but for all Nigerians because he was in history, one General that stood for the unity of Nigeria and believed in that unity until his demise on Friday.
“This is a man who fought the Civil war and came home unhurt. He retired honorably as a General in the army and lived for over 30 years after his retirement. It is Allah’s wish that he will take the bullet otherwise he would not have been killed by the gun. For us, we would continue to pray for peace in Borno state and Nigeria, just as the General has been praying for peace in the state and the nation before he died.” He said
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