The presidency has described the threat by terrorists, especially the kidnappers of the Kaduna bound train passengers, as part of the propaganda to force government to accept or submit to their political demands. The Presidency added such propaganda is not new all over world.
Reacting to the threat by bandits in whose hands are many Kaduna train victims, in a statement by a Presidential spokesman, Malam Garba Shehu, the Presidency assured that the country’s security and defense forces are not clueless or helpless.
“They have their plans and ways of doing things which they will not display in the media.
“The dilemmas in dealing with the specific case of train terrorists are manifold: punitive action like the popular call for carpet bombing of the known locations may assuage the desire of an angry public for revenge, but what about the hostages?
“They have committed no offense. All they did was to board a train.
“It suffices to say that the security forces are not relenting. They are acutely aware of their duties, responsibilities and what the nation expects of them.
“Whenever they embark upon those actions, they expect that the public should provide them with the needed support.”
The Presidency reminded all that terrorism is a global scourge that must be fought by all actors, including the military, the civilian population and the communication service providers.
“This is the only way safe havens of terrorists are eliminated in every part of the world.
“To help the nation against ongoing situation, the media must increase their support for the fight against the exploitation of the internet and social media for terrorist purposes.”
The Presidency re-reassured the public that President Muhammadu Buhari has done all, and even more than what is expected of him as Commander-In-Chief by way of morale, material and equipment support to the military “and expects nothing short of good results in the immediate.”
