The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, has said that terrorism could persist for 20 more years before it is eventually overcome.
He stated this in a post on his verified personal Facebook page a few days after Boko Haram insurgents slit the throats of 43 rice farmers in Zabarmari, Jere local government area of Borno State.
According to Buratai, Nigerians do not fully grasp what insurgency entails.
He said insurgency’s lifespan depends on the level of escalation and appropriate responses.
The Army chief therefore called for “collective action” to combat the menace.
“There is general misunderstanding of what insurgency and terrorism entail. There is likelihood of terrorism persisting in Nigeria for another 20 years.
“It only depends on the level of escalation and the appropriate responses by all stakeholders both civil and military authorities.
“Also by both local (and) international actors. Citizens responsibility is equally important and imperative.
“All must cooperate to contain the lingering insecurity. Let there be collective action and responsibility,” Buratai wrote.
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In a move that attracted local and international condemnation, Boko Haram captured the rice farmers in Zabarmari and bound their hands before slitting their throats.
The Army said 43 persons died, but Boko Haram leader, Abubakar Shekau while claiming responsibility for the attack stated that 78 persons were killed.