First mega rally hits Maiduguri since emergence of insurgency (photos)
- A group, the National Coalition Against Terrorism (NCAT) on Wednesday, February 1, stormed the streets of Maiduguri, Borno state
- The group said the rally was conducted to celebrate the successful victory against Boko Haram terrorists in the North-East
- The rally was themed the first mega peace rally in Maiduguri
A group, the National Coalition Against Terrorism (NCAT) on Wednesday, February 1, stormed the streets of Maiduguri, Borno state.
The members of the group, in their scores said the rally was to celebrate the successful defeat of Boko Haram terrorists in the North-East.
The group describing the rally and a ‘mega peace rally’ called on remnants of Boko Haram to surrender to the Nigerian army.
The group’s national coordinator Kuanum Terrence said the rally was also aimed at sensitizing residents of the region on the need to a successful victory against insurgency in the region.
READ ALSO: One policeman dead, others injured as Boko Haram ambush convoy in Borno
Terrence said "It is instructive that this mega rally is holding in Maiduguri today, Maiduguri is not just the capital of Borno state or the economic hub of the north east geopolitical zone, it was also the epicenter of the activities of Boko Haram terrorists.
See photos from the rally below:
"That this rally is holding here today is a testimony to the progress made in taking back our land from the grip of evil that had threatened to consume us but which has now been thankfully averted.
"We have our dear president Muhammadu Buhari, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, to thank for this feat of being among the few locations on earth where the evil of terrorism has been halted within such a short time.
Only those that experienced the north east before Mr President's assumption of office can fully appreciate what has happened here; this, here, was the same area where residents had given up hope of ever returning to but today the process of rebuilding our lives has begun in earnest.
READ ALSO: After 2 bombings in 16 days, Borno residents celebrate Boko Haram’s defeat (Photos)
Terrence said the war against the terrorists has been won because of the strong will shown by President Buahri and the leadership of the Nigerian military.
He said: "We are grateful to these great military chiefs for turning the tide and winning the war. Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Gabriel Olonisakin; Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai; Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sadique Baba Abubakar; Chief of Naval Staff (CNS) Vice Admiral Ibok Ette-Ibas and the leadership of the other security agencies are warriors to whom we owe debt of gratitude.
The group also appreciated the gallantry of the troops of the Nigerian military especially the front-line soldier who were on the battle field.
"Not to be overlooked is the fact that we are using this event to send a clear message to the backers of terrorism and sponsors of Boko Haram that the north east remains unbroken and unbowed," Terrence said.
Source: Legit.ng
