Buhari tasks global community on increased vigour against terrorism

The Global community must resolve to act with more determination and vigour against radicalisation and extremist ideologies which encourage terrorism, President Muhammadu Buhari said Wednesday in Eldoret, Kenya.

As Africa and some part of the global community is currently being plagued by different forms of radicalisation and extremism which in turn births terrorism. As Boko Haram killings persist in Nigeria, the al-Qaeda-linked militant group al-Shabaab last week executed attacks on Kenyan soldiers serving in the African Union Mission in Somalia (Amisom), leaving many dead.

Speaking at a memorial service in honour of Kenyan soldiers who were killed by Al-Shabaab in Somalia recently, Buhari said peace-loving nations of the world must come together and deal with the threat posedto global security by terrorism with greater zeal and cohesion.

“Terrorists should not have a place in our communities, villages, towns, cities and countries. We must all rise against the culture of intolerance, hatred and extremist ideologies, which drive terrorism.

“We must also act with more firmness against radicalization and allthose who promote values and principles that threaten our unity and cohesion as a people.

“Nigeria is willing to work with Kenya, other African countries and the global community at large with a view to defeating these undesirable elements.

“We must take the battle to the terrorists whoever they are and wherever they are. This requires commitment, sacrifice, resources, collaboration and above all a realisation that no country is immune to the scourge, as terrorists do not respect national boundaries, race, colour, religion or creed,” President Buhari said.

Buhari who is on a three-day state visit to Kenya applauded the bravery of Nigerian and Kenyan soldiers and others around the world ” who have remained faithful and committed to the cause of ensuring a secure and peaceful world in spite of daunting challenges”.

The President who attended the memorial service in the company of his host, President Uhuru Kenyatta and President Hassan Mohamoud of Somalia, also paid special tribute to the Kenyan soldiers who lost their lives in the terrorist attack on their base in Somalia.

“I wish to use this occasion to pay tribute to all the fallen heroes of the El Adde attack and pray for the repose of their souls.

“In our efforts to collaboratively tackle terrorism, it is our sacred duty as leaders, politicians and compatriots to ensure that the bloodof these fallen heroes was not shed in vain,” he said.

Elizabeth Archibong