It becomes disturbingly alarming when the Chief of Army Staff and the Governor of Borno state, are singing different tunes regarding the occupation of Boko Haram.
While Lt. General Tukur Buratai says Boko Haram is no longer in control of any territory in Nigeria, Governor Kashim Shettima insists that the insurgents presently control 2 local councils, and are also in partial control of another council.
What makes the conflicting reports more confusing is the fact that both the governor and the Army chief, are on ground, in Borno state.
So while they both sound like they know what they’re talking about… it is obvious that someone is not telling the whole truth.
Borno State Governor Kashim Shettima, told the Federal Government delegation led by Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir David Lawal that:
“They(Boko Haram) are at present controlling two local governments in Borno State; Abadam and Mobbar and they are partially in Marte.”
“At some point, Boko Haram overran 20 out of our 27 local government areas in Borno State. They overran four local government areas in Adamawa and two in Yobe.”
But Lt. Gen Buratai, says Boko Haram is no more in control:
“No Boko Haram is holding any territory in Nigeria at the momment, I have not heard any Boko Haram member or leader making such claim, they are no more in control,”, Buratai told reporters in Jos yesterday after addressing troops at the Headquarters of 3 Division, the Marxwel Khobe Cantonment.
“We are more determined and we have more professional soldiers on the ground, we have been trained and equipped and ready to face the challenge, if any, posed by Boko Haram”, he added.
I can confidently say we are on course, we are mindful of our target, and we know we have two months to achieve that target. We don’t have doubt in our minds, we will achieve our target by December 31.”
Someone is definitely lying… and time will definitely tell.
