Gov Yuguda apologises to Boko Haram

The Bauchi State governor and the former Gombe State governor react to statements by the radical Islamic sect that it would hunt them down

Governor Isa Yuguda of Bauchi State and Senator Danjuma Goje from Gombe State have publicly appologised to radical Islamic sect, Boko Haram, for any rights violations suffered during the military crackdown on its leaders in 2009.

"I apologise to the members of Jama'atu Ahlussunnah lidda'awati wal Jihad for perceived injustices caused them as they have the full rights to be protected by the law," Yuguda said in a statement on Saturday."I hope this will further the healing of the trauma on Jama'atu Ahlussunnah, and open the door to meaningful dialogue that will end hostilities and usher peace for which the religion of Islam is all about."

Goje, the former governor of Gombe, said: "as a true Muslim, who believes in peace and brotherhood, I hereby tender my public apology to the organisation for any wrong done to it in the course of performing my duty as the then governor of Gombe State".

Boko Haram, which also goes by the name Jama'atu Ahlussunnah lidda'awati wal Jihad, is based in Borno State, but has also been active in nearby Bauchi and Gombe. It has claimed responsibility for series of attacks on security operatives and politicians in the region.

Yuguda and Goje were apparently responding to Boko Haram's demand for apologies as a precondition for dialogue with government.

In a recent media report, Abu Zaid, the spokesman for Boko Haram, had said the sect would hunt down the governors of Borno, Bauchi and Gombe. "We would not relent in our efforts of searching for them until they come out publicly and apologize," he allegedly said.

Governor Kashim Shettima of Borno State had already offered amnesty any member of the sect who renounces violence. However, Boko Haram has continued to demand for a wider application of Sharia Law in the north.-dailytimes