Disturbed by the renewed attacks in the north east by members of the Islamist sect, Boko Haram, Nigeria’s House of Representatives Tuesday passed a resolution, urging President Goodluck Jonathan to relocate the headquarters of the Nigerian Army from Abuja to Maiduguri, Borno state.
The lawmakers were of the view that if the Chief of Army Staff is based in Maiduguri, he would be able to respond to mobilize his men and officers promptly to contain attacks.
Last weekend, Boko Haram carried out series of attacks in Adamawa and Borno states, killing over 100 civilians.
Adopting the motion moved by Peter Biye Guntha (APC, Borno) the Lower Chamber also called on the Nigerian Army to deploy more personnel to the villagesin the north east.
They called on the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to urgently provide relief materials to the affected victims, while commiserating with the people and government of Borno state.
In his motion, Guntha gave account of the recent attacks in Borno Adamawa which left over 150 dead.
“In Ngoshe town, 46 people were killed, while 30 houses were razed down; 7 people were killed in Hambaged and about 140 cattle were taken away.
“In Chinene village, seven people were killed and also Krawa town, 20 people were slaughtered and 20 shops razed down. Emir of Gwoza’s house at Jaje village was razed with property and food stuffs worth millions of Naira destroyed. Several houses in Juba village and places of worship were razed down with property worth millions of Naira destroyed.
“In Ndufa village, six deaths were recorded and 120 cattle taken away, while in Pulka town one person was killed and eight people were abducted.
“In Ngoshe Sama village, 18 people were killed and 80 houses were razed and 150 cattle taken away. A total of about 120 places of worship were destroyed by the gunmen from December, 2013 to February, 2014, including churches and mosques,” he said.
Also contributing, Mohammed Monguno (APC, Borno), said the insurgents look better armed than the military personnel.
To guide against cross-border activities, the House enjoined the Federal Government to liaise with the governments of the neighbouring countries of Chad, Niger Republic and Cameroon so as to come up with synergy to arrest frequent attacks.
