President Muhammadu Buhari of Nigeria says the global community must resolve to act with more determination and vigour against radicalisation and extremist ideologies which encourage terrorism.
The President made the statement on Wednesday while speaking at a memorial service in Eldoret, Kenya, held in honour of the Kenyan soldiers that were killed recently by Al-Shabaab in Somalia.
President Buhari said that peace-loving nations of the world must come together and deal with the threat posed to global security by terrorism with greater zeal and cohesion.
‘Defeating Undesirable Elements’
“Terrorists should not have a place in our communities, villages, towns, cities and countries. We must all rise against the culture of intolerance, hatred and extremist ideologies, which drive terrorism.
“We must also act with more firmness against radicalisation and all those who promote values and principles that threaten our unity and cohesion as a people.
“Nigeria is willing to work with Kenya, other African countries and the global community at large with a view to defeating these undesirable elements.
“We must take the battle to the terrorists whoever they are and wherever they are. This requires commitment, sacrifice, resources, collaboration and above all, a realisation that no country is immune to the scourge, as terrorists do not respect national boundaries, race, colour, religion or creed,” President Buhari said.
The President applauded the bravery of Nigerian and Kenyan soldiers as well as other defence forces around the world whom he said had remained faithful and committed to the cause of ensuring a secure and peaceful world in spite of daunting challenges.
He further paid special tribute to the Kenyan soldiers who lost their lives in the terrorist attack on their base in Somalia.
“I wish to use this occasion to pay tribute to all the fallen heroes of the El Adde attack and pray for the repose of their souls. In our efforts to collaboratively tackle terrorism, it is our sacred duty as leaders, politicians and compatriots to ensure that the blood of these fallen heroes was not shed in vain,” he said.
President Buhari, who is on a three-day state visit to Kenya, attended the memorial service in the company of his host, President Uhuru Kenyatta and President Hassan Mohamoud of Somalia.
