The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) on Friday described the twin bomb attacks by suspected Boko Haram insurgents on Wednesday in Maiduguri as a show of cowardice by the sect.
A statement by the ACF National Publicity Secretary, Muhammad Ibrahim, made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Kaduna, noted that targeting innocent persons by the group was a manifestation of their barbarism.
He said the regional body was sad over the unjustifiable attacks and urged residents to be more security conscious and continue their support to the military to end the insurgency.
“Villages in the outskirts of Maiduguri town have witnessed many of this dastardly act of suicide bombing where innocent souls were unjustifiable killed in markets, motor parks, mosques and churches by Boko Haram suicide bombers.
“However, with the renewed fight against Boko Haram insurgents by the military and the civilian JTF…, Maiduguri and many towns have experienced relative peace and harmony until this wicked act of barbarism at Umurari mosque on 16th March 2016 by the two female suicide bombers.
“ACF condemns in strong terms the continued use of female suicide bombers by Boko Haram terrorists to kill innocent people in the name of a religious war, as no religion condones such cruel and barbaric act.
“This is an act of cowardice and wickedness on the part of the terrorists.
“ACF wishes to commend the Military and other security agencies for the continued onslaught on the terrorists’ enclaves and hideouts, thereby dislodging them.
“ACF urges the military not to be deterred by this cowardly act of the Boko Haram terrorists as their renewed effort and determination have decimated and degraded the insurgency in most parts of the Northeast region.
“ACF also appeals to the communities to be more security conscious and share intelligence with the security agencies on suspected persons, objects and strangers within them.”
It condoled with the families of those who lost their loved ones, the Government and people of Borno over the tragic incident.
