By Augustine Ehikioya
Some residents of Borno State have called for forgiveness for the recently surrendered Boko Haram members.
The surrendered insurgents, either by their belief in the evil course or by conscription, have been involved in atrocities that killed innocent citizens and destroyed many properties in the area in the past eleven years.
The residents, who randomly spoke with the Security Watch Africa (SWA) on the streets of Maiduguri and its environs, warned that showing them hatred and rejection may force them to go back to the evil path.
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According to them, their surrendering is a good signal that the war will soon end.
They also gave kudos to the Armed Forces and other Security Agencies for the latest development.
A student of University of Maiduguri, Emmanuel Ibrahim, said “Pertaining the surrendered Boko Haram members, it’s a good sign that the war is coming to an end. Because, for them surrendering, it shows that the Army is trying its best to make sure the war comes to an end. That’s my view concerning the surrendered Boko Haram.
“Even God himself usually forgive us for our sins, so who are we not to forgive them? You know some of us may decide to forgive them, while others may decide not to forgive them because we humans have different opinions concerning the surrendered Boko Haram members,” he added.
Another resident, Baba Mohammed, said “We are very much happy for the news about Boko Haram members surrendering because we have been praying to see the end of the insurgency.
“At least the government knows how to handle them. We are happy, they are human being like us. You know anyone can make a mistake before realizing that what he or she has done is not good. So, we are very happy that they decided to surrender and come to the side of the people.
“Remember, we were living together with them formerly. We are expecting something from the government, on how the government can employ them, how the government can motivate them. That’s the main thing we are asking from the government. We support the government for whatever it can do for them.
For the Armed Forces, he said “We pray that God continues to help the Nigerian Army for the work they are doing. Let God continue to guide and protect them because of the successes they have been achieving in our Nation. We support them 100 percent. If we didn’t have the Nigerian Army here, Boko Haram would have dominated this area.”
On forgiveness for the surrendered insurgents, he said “When we sin against God and we ask Him for forgiveness, He always forgive us, talk less of a man.
“So, from my own side, I support that they are forgiven. We have to look at how Boko Haram have been operating and winning our territories here for 11 years, and now we have to forgive those asking for our forgiveness. It won’t take anything away from us, if we do that. For me, I have decided to forgive them,” he said.
On her part, Shalawa Mardi, said “It is a very good sign that thousands of terrorists are surrendering. It is showing that the war is coming to an end. And we should learn to forgive.
“We should show them some love and let them know that they are accepted back to the society. If we show them hatred, they might likely go back to their evil ways. We should show them love so that more of the terrorists, who have not surrendered, will come out to lay down their arms.
“Everything will come back to normal, even now, Maiduguri is becoming the home of peace we actually know.
“Actually, the Nigerian Army are doing their best because they are saving a lot of lives. And a lot of soldiers are losing their lives in the war, leaving behind widowed wives and children as orphans,” she noted.
Isaac Ogbonnaya said “I understand it has to do with individuals themselves. You know these individuals who have been brainwashed to join this terrorist group and they happened to come out of such situation, it takes a process. It takes rehabilitation, series of education in order to enlighten them.
“And that will help them to know that the path they have taken before is not good for them. It is a good sign that the war is coming to an end. Thank God for the NGOs we have around helping them.
“If they have to be forgiven, it should be with a punitive conditions because their actions have resulted in the amputation of legs and hands of some soldiers and other injuries for those who are lucky to be alive.
On the Armed Forces, he said “Well, I will not score the Nigerian Army 100 percent because you know there are a lot of things lacking in the military, inadequate equipment and weapons to tackle the insurgency. The Army is really trying, but I think the government and individuals need to step in to help,” he said.
Another resident, Sunday Aladegbaye, said “I think their surrendering is the right step in the right direction and it will make many people happy. We believe that it’s God that has made it possible for us to be what we are today. God has been in charge. And that’s why we should give the glory back to God.
“The public should welcome them. The public should give them a chance and establish them in the society. They should get them engaged legitimately like vocational.
“The Nigerian Army is fantastic. They needs to be supported and encouraged,” he stated.
Majaliza Zaram, speaking on forgiveness for the surrendered insurgents, said “If our governor says it’s good, we agree with him because he will not allow us to be punished in this life.”
“The Nigerian Army is surely trying,” he added.