Published 14th Aug, 2021

By Ibrahim Adeyemi

Residents and Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) have kicked against the reintegration of 1,000 repentant Boko Haram members into society by the Borno State Government.

Zannah Mohammed, a resident of the state, told FIJ that some of the repentant insurgents are behaving recklessly in the communities, under the protection of soldiers.

“Nobody is happy about this decision. They’re just forcing those repentant Boko Haram members on us,” she said.

“This is not the first. Even in my area, we’re forced to live with like two of them. They go around doing whatever they want to do. And if you touch them, the military will come after you.”

FIJ had reported that the Nigerian Army received several Boko Haram fighters who fled their hideouts over the fear of hunger, diseases and military offensives.

Some of the terrorists who feared they could be killed were said to have been persuaded to surrender by their spouses and parents.

After receiving the ex-terrorists from the Nigerian Army, the Borno State Government encouraged active Boko Haram members to surrender so they could also be rehabilitated and reintegrated into society.

FIJ learnt that soldiers had warned residents of Borno communities not to fight or bad-mouth the repentant terrorists.

“How would they discharge those killing our people unpunished? Muhammad asked. “This is quite unfair to our people. This is injustice against the souls of those that have been killed, too. I don’t think anyone thinking properly will consider this.

“Even the IDPs are not happy; I can confirm to you. I was with many of them last week and I heard them discussing the issue. They are not pleased with the development at all.”

However, Abubakar El-Kanemi, Shehu of Borno, had said the idea was a welcome one but that the people, especially residents of communities where the repentant insurgents were to be incorporated, would continue to be haunted by the horrors of the 12-year insurgency.

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