The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), an Islamic human rights organization, has made an appeal to soldiers in the North-Eastern part of the country to not abandon Maiduguri–Damaturu road.
There have been in circulation reports that men of the Nigerian Army have abandoned the road since the state governor exposed the extortion going on in the axis. It will be recalled that Governor Babagana Umara Zulum last week cautioned soldiers against extorting motorists on the Maiduguri–Damaturu road.
The appeal was made in a pubic statement sent to The Herald on Tuesday, 21st January 2020 by the director of the organization, Professor Ishaq Akintola.
The statement reads:
“Reports reaching our headquarters from our members in Borno State lend credence to the fear of Boko Haram returning to the roads to make life unbearable for road users. This is because soldiers have allegedly abandoned the check-points along the road. This is unethical, dangerous and counter-productive.
“While we appreciate the sacrifices being made day and night by soldiers, we find it necessary to affirm the need for soldiers to be professional in carrying out their duties. Under no circumstances should civilians be exposed to danger. These are the taxpayers and revenue generators who make it possible for soldiers’ salaries to be paid and for military hardware to be purchased.
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“We sincerely hope that Borno State is not one of the zones from where the military was asked to withdraw recently. We appeal to the Chief of Army Staff to ensure that the Maiduguri–Damaturu road is not abandoned. Though technically defeated, Boko Haram’s guerrilla tactics necessitate the maintenance of military presence particularly on the state’s highways. It is not over until it is over.”