The Shehu of Borno, Abubakar El-Kanemi, has said that it would be very difficult for people whose communities had been destroyed by 12 years of insurgency to accept de-radicalsed Boko Haram members back into their midst wholeheartedly.
The traditional ruler stated this while commending the military’s de-radicalisation policy for former Boko Haram members under Safe Corridor programme launched in 2016.
“The Safe Corridor programme of the Army led to the de-radicalisation of repentant terrorists in Gombe state. But it will be very difficult if not impossible for us to reintegrate the repentant insurgents into our destroyed communities,” the Shehu of Borno said.
He recalled September 2014 when Bama town and its College of Education were ravaged by Boko Haram insurgents.
The marauders reportedly massacred 13 district heads and several ward heads in 16 local government areas of the state.
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“It is easy to forgive for the destruction of many lives and property, but difficult to forget the wanton loss of lives in the various communities of my Chiefdom.
“Many people were killed along with their property for 12 years. And you people and the media expect us to forget and forgive the repentant terrorists?” the traditional ruler queried.
Recall that no fewer than 1000 members of Boko Haram surrendered to troops in Konduga, Gwoza and Bama, all in Borno State.