BEVERLY HILLS, October 20, (THEWILL) – The ceasefire agreement announced by the Federal Government with Boko Haram last Friday has been endorsed by the Borno State chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN).
Announcing the endorsement Monday in a communique issued at the end of a-three day fasting and prayer for Christians in Maiduguri, the state capital, the State chapter of CAN said the government should go ahead with the truce deal despite recent Boko Haram attacks in some Borno and Adamawa villages.
The communique signed by the state CAN chairman, Rev. Titus Pona, stated that since the insurgents had expressed the desire for peace, government must take advantage of the offer by playing along.
“We the Christian faithful in Borno commend the efforts of the Federal Government for agreeing with the Jama’atul Ahalis Sunna Lida’awati popularly called the Boko Haram for a ceasefire.”
“We are happy with the cease fire, although, we heard some reports suggesting attacks by some suspected insurgents lately. We believed it is only a faction that is not interested in the peace process.”
“We believe that those interested in peace are in the majority. Government should also be sincere in dealing with the insurgents to ensure lasting peace,” the communiqué read in part.”
Expressing the hope that the ceasefire will eventually lead to the release of the abducted Chibok schoolgirls and others in Boko Haram captivity, the communiqué added: “The terrorists have announced a cease fire in the furtherance of their desire for peace. We assume that the Chibok girls and other people in their captivity are alive and well.”
“We pray that the offer for cease fire will be adhered to and come to reality in order to have the abducted ones released and for an end to the insurgency ravaging Borno, Yobe, Adamawa and other parts of the country.”
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