No Breathing Space For Boko Haram to Operate, Ogun Governor Assures

The Governor of Ogun State, Ibikunle Amosun, has negated the assertions that the Boko Haram sect members may have infiltrated the state.

The governor responded to allegations of senator Babafemi Ojodu who had a day earlier alleged that, according to the information from military sources, the insurgents have gradually moved southwards to Lagos, Ogun, and Rivers States, driven by military operations in the north east.

The governor, shortly after Eid-El-Fitri prayer session held at Lantoro Playing Ground in Abeokuta, said there would be "no breathing space for insurgents to operate in the state and environs".

"I can assure you there is nothing like that; No Boko Haram in our state, we won't allow them, they won't and can't operate here. I can assure residents and citizens of a peaceful atmosphere."

In his message to Muslims, the governor urged them to continue to abide by the tenets of Ramadan: "I want to call on our Muslim brothers and sisters to sustain the lessons learnt during the period of Ramadan. We should also leave in peace and harmony as Islamic religion preaches."

Also, Chief Imam of Egbaland, Liadi Orunsolu, asked Muslims "not to go back" to their old ways, adding that alms giving should be paramount as it is one of the pillars of Islam.

The cleric also called for need to live in peace and harmony irrespective of religion differences, pointing out that Islam preaches peace and not violence.

(naij)