In his closing remarks at the weekly recitation of the Holy Quran as part of prayers for peace in the country yesterday, His Royal Highness, the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi II, has urged religious and community leaders to undertake the immediate task of reinventing courage in their people, particularly youth, in preparation for self defence against Boko Haram attacks.
People must stand resolutely in the face of attack and not abandon their towns, women and children.
"These people", the Emir recounted in Hausa and referring to Boko Haram, "when they attack towns, they kill boys and enslave girls... People must stand resolute. "
He reminded the congregation of malams who came from various tsangayas of the saying of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) that whoever dies in defence of his country, family, life or wealth is a martyr.
People must not assume that the crisis will not reach their area. "If it comes," the Emir prayed, "we are asking God to give us fortitude, but if He wishes to take martyrs from amongst us, we should be ready to give our lives."
The Emir also called on people to make preparation for defence with whatever way possible. "People must not wait for soldiers to protect them. There are even instances where soldiers on ground ran away in the face of attack."
Since the fall of Mubi into the hands of insurgents, there have been calls from religious and opinion leaders in Northern Nigeria for people to rise and face Boko Haram without relying solely on government. This has led to the liberation of the town early this week by hunters and local vigilantes. Also, when the insurgents moved to Gombi, they were successfully ejected by the hunters.
The Emir asked hunters and experts in the area of security and defence to use their expertise in quest for seeking the pleasure of God by employing it to end the current crisis.
Finally, the Emir expressed the hope that the insurgents will be defeted, affirming, "God will grant us victory over them."
Aliyu U. Tilde
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