An apex socio-cultural organization in the North, Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) on Monday expressed concern over attacks on commuters along Damaturu- Maiduguri road and called on the military to smoke out the perpetrators. The group in a statement issued in Kaduna by its National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Muhammad Ibrahim said it was important to secure the road and others in Yobe and Borno to ensure restoration of economic activities and effective relief efforts.
“Recent media reports of daily attacks by terrorists on commuters and villagers on the road linking the two states capitals is disturbing and worrisome, as many were reported to have been kidnapped and even killed. This unfortunate situation has threatened the socioeconomic activities in Damaturu and Maiduguri thereby placing their people in a state of fear and despair,” it added.
The statement acknowledged the efforts of the military and other security agencies in the fight against terrorists but urged them to do more in repelling terrorist attacks and chasing them out of their enclaves.
“Furthermore, ACF calls on the military to sustain constant surveillance along the Damaturu- Mainok -Jakana-Auno and other parts of the States in order to secure the road and villages along the axis.
“This will assure commuters and villagers of adequate protection. Media reports that the terrorists have taken over the road is most worrisome.”
It further appealed to the Federal Government to provide adequate equipment and logistics to troops at the front line to adequately confront the terrorists head-on.
“The efforts of rebuilding the war-ravaged areas can only be done and sustained in a secured environment, hence the need for the military to be more proactive and employ strategies that will permanently degrade the activities of the terrorists.”
