B’Haram forces Christians to become Muslims in N/East –Reps

Contrary to claims by the Nigerian military, there is no respite for communities sacked by Boko Haram insurgents in Borno, Adamawa and Yobe states in the latest invasion of local government areas in those states by the sect. According to members of the House of Representatives from the three states, the insurgents are still firmly in control of major towns and communities, such as Bama, Marte, Gwoza, Gamboru-Ngala (Borno State), Michika, Madagali (Adamawa State) and Gujba (Yobe State). A chilling account was given in the case of Michika and Madagali, two local governments in Adamawa State, largely populated by Christians. A lawmaker from Borno State, Mr. Mohammed Monguno, who raised the issue under matters of urgent public importance, informed his bewildered colleagues that Christians were being forcibly converted to Islam in Michika and Madagali by insurgents, who also freely molested and abducted residents without opposition. Members only resumed from a 60-day annual recess on Tuesday and appeared to be in shock as Monguno spoke in an emotion-laden voice. He told the House that the situation in the affected states had clearly overwhelmed the Joint Task Force, whom Monguno described as men lacking the requisite motivation to fight the insurgents. The lawmaker argued that the problem was not having enough arms and ammunition, as claimed in some quarters since some of the weapons used by the attackers were seized from the military. He called for a well-motivated “Special Military Task Force” to rout the insurgents, who for now had no match. Monguno added, Local governments in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa have gradually come under Boko Haram control. Flags have been hoisted in these areas and most residents have been displaced.

Punch Newspaper