Nigeria's top Islamic leader on Monday accused the military of fleeing when Boko Haram attacks and terrorizing civilians, in the harshest criticism from the key cleric, as violence persisted in the north-east.
A statement from the country's top Muslim body, the JNI, described the military's handling of the five-year Islamist uprising as “unfortunate, worrisome and embarrassing”.
The JNI speaks for Nigeria's top cleric, the Sultan of Sokoto Muhammad Sa'ad Abubakar.
“Soldiers take to their heels and abandon their bases, arms, ammunition and other military hardware on the approach of the insurgents!” the statement said.
“Nigerian Security Forces only surface after the deadly attacks and terrorize an already terrorized people by installing road blocks and searching homes,” it added.
The condemnation came after similar remarks last week from Nigeria's number two Islamic cleric, the Emir of Kano, and will likely infuriate President Goodluck Jonathan's government, which expects traditional monarchs to abstain from political commentary.
In a speech released at the weekend, defence spokesman Chris Olukolade meanwhile accused the media and other “campaigners” of distorting the military effort against Boko Haram, tarnishing Nigeria's global image and hurting troop morale.
Another attack occurred on Monday, when suspected Boko Haram gunmen entered a market in the north-east town of Damasak at about 11am (10h00 GMT) and opened fire on unarmed traders, a military officer and a local government official told AFP.
Celled from IOL News www.iolnews.co.za
The JNI speaks for Nigeria's top cleric, the Sultan of Sokoto Muhammad Sa'ad Abubakar.
“Soldiers take to their heels and abandon their bases, arms, ammunition and other military hardware on the approach of the insurgents!” the statement said.
“Nigerian Security Forces only surface after the deadly attacks and terrorize an already terrorized people by installing road blocks and searching homes,” it added.
The condemnation came after similar remarks last week from Nigeria's number two Islamic cleric, the Emir of Kano, and will likely infuriate President Goodluck Jonathan's government, which expects traditional monarchs to abstain from political commentary.
In a speech released at the weekend, defence spokesman Chris Olukolade meanwhile accused the media and other “campaigners” of distorting the military effort against Boko Haram, tarnishing Nigeria's global image and hurting troop morale.
Another attack occurred on Monday, when suspected Boko Haram gunmen entered a market in the north-east town of Damasak at about 11am (10h00 GMT) and opened fire on unarmed traders, a military officer and a local government official told AFP.
Celled from IOL News www.iolnews.co.za
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