Musdapha Ilo, Maiduguri

The Borno Youth Vigilante Association popularly known as Civilian JTF, has warned political parties in the state to caution their youth wings and political associates against actions that would disturb the peace currently being enjoyed in the region.

This is in view of the recent acts of violence carried out by discontented youths, the latest being the Tuesday suicide bombing that took place in Maiduguri, the state capital, which claimed at least 30 lives and injured another 50 persons.

Before the bombing, youths in the state on two separate occasions had pelted the incumbent governor Kashim Shettima and his predecessor, Ali Modu Sheriff, with stones and other objects.

Shortly after the explosion on Saturday, Sheriff’s campaign house was also torched by protesting youths and several vehicles bearing his posters were vandalised.

The vigilante group has however warned that it would not hesitate to hunt down these youths which it described as political thugs with the same willpower with which it is going after terrorists in the state and advised those involved in the recent violence to keep the peace.

Legal adviser of the sssociation, Jibrin Gunda, who spoke on its behalf, said: “We appeal to political parties in the state to call their youth wings or thugs from taking laws into their hands. We will not condone any segment of the society who wants to take the laws into their hands”.

He called on the people of Maiduguri and its environs to continue to support the vigilante in the task of assisting security agencies in protecting lives and properties, adding that the recent pockets of renewed violence in the state will not deter them from carrying out their responsibilities.

Gunda maintained that the civilian JTF will remain determined and focused towards achieving its goal of restoring peace to the state and  called on the authorities to lift the curfew presently imposed in the state to enable their members patrol the streets for 24 hours.