NEDMO to Tinubu: Expose and punish sponsors of terror now

The New Direction for Nigeria Movement (NEDMO) has expressed deep sorrow over the killing of Nigerian soldiers in a recent terrorist attack in Benisheikh, Borno State, describing the fallen troops, as heroes who paid the ultimate price in defence of the nation.

In a statement issued on Friday in Abuja, by its Convener,  Mark Adebayo, the group said it “wishes to commiserate with the Nigerian Armed Forces on the loss of some of our heroic soldiers… including the Brigade commander, Brigadier General Oseni Braimah.”

The attack, which occurred on 9 April, is the latest in a series of violent incidents linked to insurgents and bandits operating in the North-East.

NEDMO praised the courage of the troops, stating, “In this difficult moment of our nation, we salute the gallantry and sacrifices of our fighting and fallen heroes. Your services and sacrifices are highly appreciated.”

The group noted the harsh conditions under which the military operates, highlighting the challenges of asymmetric warfare. “Even though you’re fighting under extremely challenging asymmetric warfare while confronting an unpredictable and destructive enemy that respects no rules of engagement, and paying the supreme price, you have continued to hold out in the service to fatherland,” the statement read.

It added, “We are proud of your patriotism, ruggedness, determination, and gallantry.”

The movement also called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to take decisive action against those sponsoring terrorism and banditry in the country.

“We appeal to the president and commander-in-chief… to kindly expedite action on apprehending and prosecuting the sponsors of terrorism and banditry in the country,” the group said, adding that intelligence agencies are believed to have identified those responsible.

It urged the President to fulfil his constitutional responsibility, stating, “You owe it a duty to your oath of office… to get these enemies of our country exposed, arrested, prosecuted and punished in accordance with relevant laws of the land.”

According to NEDMO, such actions would significantly strengthen non-military efforts to curb insecurity.

The group warned that “the enemies of our country are working on overdrive to destabilise Nigeria,” and called for national unity in confronting the threat.

“We must all come together to support our armed forces anyway we can to defeat this evil that is ravaging our land, disrupting our peace, and driving us towards collective despair,” it added.