Religious leaders in Nigeria have been asked to take a bold stand against religious fundamentalism.

A former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, on Thursday, expressed belief that the security Challenges in Nigeria would soon be over.

He pointed out that the last time Nigeria had witnessed such insecurity was during the civil war, condemning every act of terrorism in the northeast and the recent bomb at Emeb Plaza, Abuja.

“What is happening at the moment sadly is very disturbing and it is totally alien to Nigeria and the unfortunate thing is that this one has some religious connotation. At least those who are doing this evil use the word of Islam,” he said.

General Gowon also urged the government and all Nigerians to do  everything necessary to end the insecurity.

“All efforts should be done by everybody to get the necessary intelligence and information necessary to be able to try and check these people before they carry out their harm.

“One does not know the minds of these people.”

On the issued of the abducted girls by members of the Boko Haram sect, General Gowon said: “I am sure those girls would do anything, whenever they get the opportunity, to try and escape.

“Don’t make this thing, especially the Chibok girls issue a political issue. All that we should do is not to blame the government as if they are doing nothing. We have to ask the government to do all they can to end the challenges,” he stressed.