Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Abuja (Agenzia Fides) - "I am really sorry for the death of the two hostages. But from what I read, it would have been a miracle to bring special forces in the hideout and rescue the hostages" says to Fides His Exc. Mgr. John Olorunfemi Onaiyekan, Archbishop of Abuja, commenting on the killing of two hostages, one British and one Italian, during a raid carried out by British special forces in Sokoto, in the north of Nigeria. "The operation was carried out in broad daylight, when one could see everything. Those who perform these operations are experts, I do not know what went wrong, unfortunately the raid ended in tragedy," said Mgr.Onaiyekan.
According to the Archbishop, the operation will trigger controversy in Nigeria. "The fact that the British special forces have come from London to Sokoto - argues Mgr. Onaiyekan - shows that there is some coordination between Nigeria and some Countries involved in dealing with the Boko Haram problems of terrorism. The Nigerian press states that even American specialists arrived in our Country. But now the question is how much help is desirable and how much is likely to be contrary to national interests. I think it is a very serious matter to discuss".
"Nigerians are definitely against - the Archbishop adds - to the fact that foreign forces enter the Country and do whatever they want. I think the media and Parliament will discuss this operation a lot that threatens to embarrass the Nigerian government".
According to statements on behalf of some members, the Boko Haram sect intends to Islamize the entire Nigeria also fighting against the Islamic traditional powers such as the Sultans and Emirs.
"Sokoto – answers Mgr. Onaiyekan – was a city considered quite peaceful, because it was the home of the local Sultan. But members of Boko Haram do not recognize the traditional local powers, such as the Sultan or the Emirs. According to Boko Haram these institutions have no place in Islam. Consequently they do not accept religious authority appointed by traditional leaders. For example, in the big city Imams are appointed by Emiri".
"The threat of Boko Haram to explode all the Country seems exaggerated, but certainly members of this sect may cause unrest and social crises, instilling fear in the population. I hope the government and all political forces in Nigeria recognize that we are facing a common threat which must be addressed together. But still I do not see significant steps in this direction and this worries me," concluded Mgr. Onaiyekan. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 09/03/2012)
