Stop promoting B’Haram attacks online, FG warns youths

THE Federal Government has accused some youths in the country of encouraging terrorist activities on social media.

In a statement posted on Twitter, the Minister of State for Defence, Musiliu Obanikoro, said the government was aware that some young Nigerians were on the verge of becoming “broadcast agents” of the violent Islamic sect known as the Boko Haram.

Obanikoro urged the youths not to sensationalise acts of evil and terror committed by the sect against harmless citizens on social media.

The minister warned that posting pictures and stories of terrorist attacks on social media would not only instil fear in the minds of the people but encourage extremists to continue to unleash terror on the society.

Describing the rise in suicide bombings by suspected members of the Boko Haram sect as an act of cowardice, Obanikoro said that Nigerians must be ready to join hands with the FG to check terrorism in the country.

He said, “The more you think about a threat or talk about it, the more worried you and the people around you will become. Don’t spread gory stories in the news and on the Internet. Terrorists love it when we sensationalise their acts of cowardice.

“We must not succumb to fear. Terrorism is the art of provoking terror and paranoia after every attack motivates terrorists. Be informed, yes, but don’t become a broadcast agent for alarmism, speculation, uncertainty and the grotesque. Citizens, world over, support their governments to fight terrorists. Nigerian citizens must not be an exception,” he said.

Obanikoro told the youth not to expect “quick results” from government in the ongoing war against terrorism.

Also, he advised them to direct their anger to the insurgents and their sponsors each time members of the Boko Haram sect kill innocent citizens through their terrorist activities.

He said, “Some of the things we need to do in the face of terror are tough and difficult. Yet we must find the strength to stand!

“Always remember that terrorists are cowards. If you refuse to be scared and intimidated, the terrorists have lost. Don’t get irrationally angry against anyone or the government.

“Only terrorists and their sympathisers deserve your outrage. Our desire for quick results must be balanced with the knowledge that fighting terrorism is not a 100m dash. It’s a marathon!”

Meanwhile, the National Orientation Agency has explained that Nigerians have “many reasons” to complain and “probably fewer reasons” to rejoice.

But it enjoined the people to remain steadfast in their quest for a better country and not to be passive about the peace, unity and tranquility they desire to experience in their fatherland.

Writing on its Twitter page, the NOA said every citizen of the country must contribute his quota towards the realisation of the collective dream.

The agency said, “In the midst of the current challenges, we keep faith with everyone affected and determined to overcome this as a nation bound in freedom.We grieve for our losses but not deterred in our vision. Evil may try, but will surely be crushed in faith and hope of a Nigeria of our dreams

“The interesting thing about dialogue in conflict resolution is that as long as it remains, problems can be solved. Embrace dialogue.Your citizenship has already implicated you. You are a shareholder in your country’s progress or backwardness. Which would you rather contribute to?”

In view of the current challenges, the NOA stated, the FG had begun to take a holistic approach towards addressing the current security situation.

The holistic approach, it added, included technological solutions as well as “intensive investigations” of the recent terrorist attacks.

The agency also appealed to Nigerians to be patient with government, adding that Nigerians from all geo-political zones must value life.

“Life is a divine gift meant to be enjoyed in unconditional love. You did not give life so no one has the right to destroy it,” it said.