THE apex northern socio-cultural group, the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), has asked the Boko Haram insurgents to lay down their arms and embrace federal government’s amnesty offer.
ACF said the offer of unconditional amnesty by the federal government to Boko Haram terrorists and other groups was a welcome development considering the insecurity posed by the insurgence in the last nine years.
A statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Muhammad Ibrahim Biu yesterday recalled Biafran rebels and Niger Delta militants who denounced their rebellion and militancy against the state were not only granted amnesty but also empowered with skills and re-integrated into the society to contribute to its socioeconomic development.
According to ACF, the spirit of amnesty is therefore to stop the killings, destruction of property and also denounce further rebellion and militancy.
“So, any step taken by the Government to end the current security challenges in the country cannot be too costly as long as it is done in accordance with worldwide best practices.
“ACF therefore urges the insurgents and other militia groups to lay down their arms and embrace the Federal Government’s offer of amnesty as the only means to peaceful coexistence and development,” the statement explained.
The forum argued the amnesty offer by the federal government will also pave way for Nigeria to pursue order, justice, liberty, peace and prosperity for all.
