Boko Haram has killed more Muslims – Ningi

Deputy Majority Leader of the Senate, Abdul Ningi, has dispelled the belief that Boko Haram is an Islamic sect whose goal is to kill Christians in the country.

Ningi, who spoke to our correspondent in Uyo, venue of the Senate Retreat on Tuesday, said the violent group had not been selective in their targets, saying many Muslims, including his uncle, had been killed by Boko Haram.

He said, “I am a victim of Boko Haram. My uncle was killed by the sect; he was a former Deputy Inspector-General of Police.

“So, if people are saying that because you are Hausa, Muslim or a northerner and that you are in sympathy with the activities of the sect, I will say it is not true.

“If it is true that we are in sympathy with the sect, how come the statistics on the ground shows that more Muslims have been killed in the attacks by the sect than the Christians?”

The lawmaker added, “What we as senators from the North should do at this retreat is to make our southern counterparts know that the Boko Haram has a different belief from other muslims. What they preach and do is beyond our understanding and conclusion. This sect is more dangerous than any security agencies by going after those who talk against them.”

Meanwhile, the Action Congress of Nigeria National Chairman, Chief Bisi Akande, hailed the retreat, saying it was capable proffering solutions to the lingering security challenges in the country.