The killing of Emir of Gwoza, Alhaji Idrisa Timta, on Friday by suspected Boko Haram gunmen has been described by the Northern States Governors Forum (NSGF) as irresponsible, callous and a declaration of war on the traditional institution.
The Forum also expressed shock and disbelief at the assassination attempt on the lives of Emir of Uba, Alhaji Ismaila Mamza and Emir of Askira, Alhaji Mai Abdullahi Ibn Muhammadu Askirama by the gunmen.
The traditional rulers, who were in a convoy en route Gombo State for the funeral rites of the late Emir of Gombe, Shehu Abubakar, who died earlier in the week, were ambushed by the Boko Haram sect.
The condemnation of the cowardly act was contained in a statement issued in Minna by Israel Ebije, the Chief Press Secretary to the Forum’s Chairman and Governor of Niger State, Dr. Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu.
Aliyu, who described the killing as “irresponsible, callous and an affront on the traditional institution and collective heritage of Nigerians”, lamented that the attack came at a time the federal government has reiterated its declaration of amnesty for members of the sect who lay down their arms and embrace peace.
The Forum said, “This is indeed a sad development for us as a region and the nation at large. This is happening at a time we are all doing our very best to rescue our over 200 secondary school girls abducted by the Islamist terror group Boko Haram, from their school in Chibok, Borno State last month.
“We are particularly sad and worried about these ugly developments. We are indeed sad over the killing of the Emir of Gwoza in the recent attack”.
The Forum once more urged Boko Haram to embrace the amnesty offer promised by President Goodluck Jonathan, saying “dialogue remains the best option for resolving issues”.