Some of the captured Boko Haram terrorists have begun to ask for forgiveness from Nigerians and the Federal government, having been involved in several gruesome activities in the past.
The former criminals staged their plea for forgiveness during their graduation from a vocational training and reorientation program organized by the Federal Government.
The program, which lasted for some months, was brought to an end on Wednesday, at a former NYSC camp in Kwami Local Government Area of Gombe State.
While reflecting on his experience, one of the graduands, Bappah Mura, mentioned that he had joined the sect before he discovered that the leaders were deceptive in their dealings.
He stated, “I beg Nigerians for forgiveness. I regret totally what we were forced to do; it was not my intention but I beg for forgiveness. I was a humble farmer before I was deceived to join the Boko Haram sect. All they told us were different from all we were made to do; they lied to me and deceived many of us. My heart bleeds that we were used to destroy lives and property by the sect. But today, I am so happy that we have been trained and made to acquire skills in different ventures. I am grateful to President Muhammadu Buhari and the Nigerian Army.”
Equally, another re-oriented terrorist, Abana Ali, expressed his regrets for joining the sect, saying, he was sorry for all the illegal acts he had been involved in.
Abana mentioned that some of them were even used as domestic workers against their wish, subjecting them to various forms of hardship before the troops raided their camp.
He explained, “I am deeply pained in the heart that we had been associated with such a devilish group; I beg Nigerians to forgive and accept us back. We were deceived and forced to join the sect; because of my age, I was not allowed to partake in their operations, but was made to do menial jobs in their camps; we were also terrorized and enslaved until the Army rescued us.
“We are grateful to the Federal Government for the show of love; the de-radicalization training has been helpful and now I do not need to go home to beg but to contribute what I have been taught. Nigerian youths out there, I tell you the truth; there is no gain being Boko Haram members, except for regret and intense sorrow; we pray that no youth witness the harsh condition we were subjected to.”
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