The Council of Babalawos in Northern Nigeria has urged security agencies in the country to investigate a former governor of Borno State, Ali Modu Sheriff and Gen. Azubuike Ihejirika within 40 days otherwise it would be forced to sue the men for allegedly financing terrorism.
In a statement made available to our correspondent and signed by its chairman, Mr. Fabunmi Aiyesoro and vice chairman, Mr. Ogunwale Ogunshola, the Council regretted that 48 of its members had died in the hand of the Boko Haram since 2011.
“If the Federal Government refuses to do this, our members shall resort to special prayers for 21 days for God’s wrath to befall Sheriff, Ihejirika, their fellow collaborators and Boko Haram members.’’
The council further called on the government to dislodge the insurgents from all the forests and villages in Adamawa, Borno and Yobe states with immediate effect.
“Our members source herbs from forests like Sambisa, Biu, Gwoza and Hong and taking over these areas by this retrogressive group has denied us the opportunity of contributing to the health and well-being of the people.
“Babalawos are Nigerians and deserve the same recognition accorded Imams and Pastors by government. Many churches and mosques have received compensation from state governments for the destruction of their places of worship but not a single Babalawo has received a condolence message or any form of monetary compensation since the Boko Haram problem started three years ago.’’
