Buhari Blames Prolonged Terrorism on ‘Disgraceful’ Acts of Some Govt Officials, Security Personnel

•Orders arrest of those threatening nation’s peace

•Launches revised counter-terrorism strategy

Senator Iroegbu in Abuja

President Muhammadu Buhari has blamed the protracted terrorism in the country on corruption and embezzlement of funds meant to acquire equipment to fight terrorists in the North-East by some government and military officials.

The President stated this on Tuesday at the launch of the Reviewed National Counter Terrorism Strategy (NACTEST) by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), describing the behaviour of the guilty officials as “disgraceful and wicked”.

Buhari, who was represented by Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, said that the selfish acts of the affected officials caused the nation thousands of lives, extended the reign of terror and strengthened their hold of territories in 27 Local Government Areas (LGAs) of the country at a time.
‎

He lamented that the visages of the activities and the warped ideologies of the sect still linger through personal contacts, and social media.

Buhari also described as mindless, the killings, kidnappings, destruction of churches and mosques carried out by Boko Haram terrorist sect, are meant to instill fear in the citizens

He said: “In the past few years, our nation has faced the threat of terrorism characterized by mindless killing of our people, including children. The massacre of the Buni-Yadi boys in their hostels at night, the bombing of churches, mosques and market places, the kidnap of the Chibok girls and many others.
‎
“The sheer recklessness of the killings and the shocking barbarity of executions, were meant to terrorise and produce maximum fear. To further establish their reign of terror, they took territories and hoisted their tattered flag in almost 27 local governments in the north east.”

“Sadly, because of the disgraceful greed and wickedness of men, some in government and some in high office in the armed forces at the time, funds meant to equip soldiers to contain the terrorists were embezzled.

“Their incredible selfishness caused the nation thousands of lives, extended the reign of terror, and strengthened the enemy,” he stressed