Borno holds first Sallah Durbar since Boko Haram insurgence
For the first time since the Boko Haram insurgence began in 2009,
traditional sallah durbar (horse parade) was held amidst fanfare at the
Shehu’s palace, Thursday, in Maiduguri, Borno State.
Governor Kashim Shettima was in attendance as special guest of honour
and it was the first time a sallah durbar was held since he became
Governor of Borno state in May, 2011.
The peaceful and colourful durbar took place soon after the Eid
prayers, which was conducted at Ramat square, some two kilometres away
from the Shehu’s palace in Maiduguri.
It was held following emergence of relative peace in the state owing
to security operations and activities of youths volunteers nicknamed
‘civilian JTF’ who have been haunting Boko Haram insurgents in Maiduguri
and other parts of the state.
The Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Abubakar Garbai Elkanemi had suspended the
traditional sallah durbar since 2009 for fear of attacks from the
insurgents.
The first major Boko Haram attack took place in July, 2009 leading to
the deaths of hundreds of persons, amongst them the sect members,
security agents and innocent citizens.
At the resumed durbar, traditional rulers were on colourful horse
parade to the admiration of Governor Shettima, the Shehu and other
dignitaries while residents cheered in high spirit.
Many residents have since started returning to the deserted homes and shops in areas worse affected by the crisis since 2009.
Shettima, while addressing guests at a sallah lunch he organised at
the Government House, after the durbar, commended the tremendous efforts
of the Military Joint Task Force (JTF) and the ‘Civilian JTF’ for
sustaining relative peace which led to smooth celebration of the Eid-El
Fitr Sallah in the state.
Shettima said, it was unfortunate that since the inception of the
crisis, the Boko Haram insurgents had killed hundreds of residents and
destroyed property worth hundreds of millions of naira which include
over 800 public secondary and primary school classrooms, set ablaze in
different communities across the state.
He, however, expressed optimism that with the gallant efforts of the
JTF, vigilante youths and patriotic citizens, Borno was now witnessing
peace in the state.
“Although, the state has encountered serious damages, we as
government will not be deterred by the activities of terrorists as we
will soon renovate and rehabilitate all the public structures destroyed
by Boko Haram sects in the state, even as we will continue to support
security agencies with our scarce resources in the fight against
terrorism.
“We as government will never forget the effort of the JTF, Civilian
JTF, the Media and of course all loving people of Borno for their
untiring support, prayers and concern on how to end terrorists
activities in our dear state and the country in general.
“It is the collective efforts and support we received from all and
sundry that led to the successful and peaceful celebration of the Sallah
and we urge everybody to continue to pray for the sustenance of peace
in our State and country, Nigeria”. Shettima said.
The sallah lunch hosted by the Governor, was graced by security
chiefs, government officials, journalists, political associates, party
members, amongst others.
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