ACF Expresses Shock, Urges Immediate Release Of Monguno

[TGD]

 SHOCKED by the kidnap of elder statesman, Alhaji Shettima Ali Monguno in Maiduguri Friday by unknown gunmen, Arewa elders have condemned what they termed unfortunate turn of event and appealed to his abductors to immediately release him unhurt.

The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), in a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Anthony Sani, said it was saddened by the incident, "because given the age of the elder statesman and his services to, not only Borno State, but also the whole country, he is not expected to be subjected to such hardship and humiliation by any group, be it sectarian or men of the underworld."

The group added: "If, as is being bandied about, Boko Haram members are the kidnappers, in order to press for the release of their detained members by the authorities, ACF wishes to say they are going about it the wrong way.

"Rather, they should press for the release of their members using the mechanism of dialogue put in place by the government, instead of causing the old man any untold hardship.

"The kidnappers should, therefore, heed public appeals and release Monguno forthwith in the interest of humanity and peace dearly needed for meaningful socio-economic and political development of not only Borno State, but also the whole country."

It called on the good people of Borno State to remain calm and not take the laws into their hands, as the federal and state governments intensify efforts to bring the culture of violence under control, not only in Borno and Yobe states, but also throughout Nigeria.



The Guardian