Boko Haram: Stop attacks on Churches – Ex-militants Warns

Over 40 ex-militant 'generals' from the Niger-Delta region, rose from an emergency meeting in Abuja with a call to the Federal Government to halt bombing of churches immediately and also asked President Goodluck Jonathan to identify sponsors of the sect and bring them to book, as the violence had become unacceptable.

In a statement, on Thursday, they said: "Boko Haram must immediately stop its senseless, mindless killings and suicide bombings in the North. The predilection for selective attacks on churches and Christians can no longer be tolerated by well-meaning Nigerians.

"The Federal Government must forcefully stop this strange and dangerously ominous trend in our polity. We recall how the Nigerian government deployed armed troops in the Niger Delta, which

decimated Odi, Ayakoromo, Gbaramatu Kingdom and other communities in its alleged bid to combat militancy. It is, however, strange to note that the government has treated the Boko Haram insurgency with kid gloves.

"Enough is enough! The government must unmask and go after the sponsors of Boko Haram, which we believe are wicked and evil-minded Nigerians collaborating with foreigners."

The former militants said the violence in the North had become worrisome and could lead to reprisal attacks in the South.

They said Boko Haram was not only anti-Christians but also political, with a view to destabilising the present administration.

Some of the ex-militants leaders who signed the statement are: Gen. Busty Alemfuke, Gen. Iyela Island, Gen. Orumey Okuheuna, Gen. Blaza Abi, Gen. Adekunle Wisdom, Gen. Ameachi Adibbuo, Gen. Chibuzo Egbelu, Gen. Callos Ben, Gen. Okubo Robert and Gen. Egbema One.

Others are: Gen. Fred Kenyebo, Gen Aboy, Gen Nico Sintei, Gen. Solo Osama, Gen. Solo Adabafa, Gen. Gawe Eberepapa and Gen. J.P. Greenland.