Kankara Abduction: Army Speaks On Buhari Safety In Kastina

The defence headquarters (DHQ) has doused tension regarding concerns over the safety and security of President Muhammadu Buhari in Kastina state.

Eko Hot Blog recalls that the president was in the state on a private visit to Daura, his hometown, when gunmen attacked Government Science Secondary School, Kankara, on Friday

Over 300 students were abducted in the attack.

Speaking when he featured on Arise TV on Wednesday, John Enenche, coordinator of defence media operations, said there is no cause for alarm, noting that the safe.

Responding to question on the safety of Buhari in light of the current security situation in the state, Enenche said: “One of the major tasks of the Armed Forces of Nigeria is to ensure that you protect the government and the state actors and in that regard, the Commander-In-Chief is very very safe in Katsina and anywhere that he is or will be at all times.”

Enenche also said claim by Boko Haram that it was responsible for the abduction of the students is false.

He said the insurgent group only claimed responsibility for the attack just to cause panic and  instill fear in people.

He, however, did not name those responsible the attack.

He added that the terrorist group is only trying to capitalise on the incident to show its relevance, noting that their claim of being responsible for the attack is a way of creating trepidation even beyond their sphere of control.

“On the basis of the characteristics of terrorists all over the world from the time of Al-Qaeda, Taliban, Al-Shabaab, all of them, whatever that will boost their ego or show relevance, that is what they will do,” he said.

“What did they even do? Somebody spoke on audio and said, ‘I am Shekau.’ Shekau on a secondary note is a brand. All that needs to be done is somebody using his voice. The total aim of terrorists is to instill fear into people even beyond their scope of influence.

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“So, it is easy for the layman to agree that it is them (Boko Haram) because even if it is kidnappers or armed robbers, their aim is to instill fear and kill.”

Enenche said efforts are on to make sure that no collateral damage is incurred in attempt to secure relchildren come out unhurt and no record of loss of life