Emir Pleads With FG To Redouble Efforts In Recapturing Gwoza From Boko Haram

emir of gwozaThe Emir of Gwoza in Borno State, Alhaji Muhammadu Mustapha Idrissa Timta, yesterday pleaded with President Goodluck Jonathan to redeem the promise he made of recapturing Gwoza from the Boko Haram sect.

Gwoza town and environs fell under Boko Haram occupation on August 6, 2014 and few days after, the sect’s leader, Abubakar Shekau, declared the town as headquarters of his ‘Islamic caliphate’.

The emir, a first class monarch, who was initially presumed to have been killed by the insurgents, reportedly escaped to the Mandara Mountains where he stayed for days before he was rescued.

He was later taken to Abuja from Maiduguri, where together with Governor Kashim Shettima, he met with President Jonathan.

Speaking with journalists in Maiduguri yesterday, the emir said his people are suffering and called for more spirited efforts to rescue Gwoza.

“I wish to appeal to the federal government to come to the aid of our people.

“As I am talking to you, many of them are trapped in Cameroon and many others are taking refuge in various places here in Nigeria.

“We appreciate the efforts of both the federal and state governments, but a lot heeds to be done so that our people can return”, the emir said.