THE Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Olugbenga Ashiru, on Friday, said contrary to what was widely reported by the media, the security challenge in some parts of the country, particularly the North-East, is far from being religious in nature.

The minister said he hinged his statement on the fact that both Christians and Muslims nationwide have condemned the insurgency and what he described as mindless extremism, while northern Muslim leaders and clerics have distanced themselves from the message being propagated by the sect.

Ashiru told visiting Austrian Foreign Minister, Dr. Michael Spindelegger, that, “the modus operandi of the perpetrators of these heinous acts is not only new but strange and alien to Nigeria and that is why all necessary measures are being taken to secure our borders against infiltration of undesirable elements.”

The minister went further to say, “we urge our friends to empathize with us as we join forces to win the fight against evil.

“Since terrorism is a global challenge, I wish to emphasize the need for global cooperation. On this note, Nigeria looks forward to Austria’s cooperation in the exchange of information and training of our law enforcement agencies, especially the police.”

On bilateral plane, the minister said Nigeria would wish for Austrian assistance in fighting the menace of desert encroachment and its effect on, particularly, the northern part of the country.

He equally called for mutual support of  candidature in the United Nations and other international fora.

Comments (6)

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Terrorism is not religious indeed
written by eugyno, June 09, 2012

The minister is a daft...How many times have boko haram bombed a mosque,how many times has IBB,ATIKU,BUHARI,CIROMA,TUKUR etc come out publicly to condemn the acts of bokoharam?? http://naijahotbiz.lefora.com

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Terrorism In Nigeria Religious
written by Olusola J. Idowu, June 09, 2012

If terrorisim in Nigeria is not religious, let the minister number the mosques that have so far been bombed. Nigeria is rich and all the calling or begging for assistance should stop.

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Covering The Truth
written by Glo Mordi, June 09, 2012

Our leaders tell lies from both sides of their mouth otherwise how can Islamist renegades bombing and killing innocent christians be said not to be pursuing a religious agenda, how many mosques has been bombed Mr foreign affairs minister? the whole world knows better, so stop fooling yourselves.

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TERRORISM IN NIGERIA
written by Sanjo Achodo, June 09, 2012

It is difficult to understand what some commentators on Nigerian Terrorism by the religious sect Boko Haram mean, when they state that their activities are not religious. Why are Churches the key targets? They are after Christians and the only places to have full impact are the churches. As for their attack on the forces, it is aimed at scaring them away, so as not to intervene and stop them from their heinous religious intentions.
It is a pity that Nigerians try to retain their plum jobs at all costs by being hypocritical and speaking from both sides of the mouth. Please leave the Christians alone to worship their God through Christ our Lord and send your grievances to the government, then we know that the government is the target of the Boko Haram.

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wrong Mr minister
written by moses abu, June 09, 2012

I don't agree with the honorable minister's position on this. How can he explain the rationale behind the attacks at numerous christians in their places of worship? The handwriting on the wall is bold enough!

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...
written by Toyin UK, June 14, 2012

I think that is the right time mr minister does his home work well before raising a comment like this.

Do you have the number of innocent people including children that have been killed or rendered as fatherless?

Can you put yourself in the shoes of those people who have lost everything that they have worked for.

If you know that the matter is not religous, can you please move your family there without any state security or protection and see first hand how the matter is solely religion.

Get your act together.

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