A Lagos-based cleric and public affairs analyst, Bishop Dr. Joseph Ighalo Edoro, has proposed a multifaceted approach to combat terrorism and suicide bombing in Nigeria.
In an interview with Sunday Independent, Edoro stressed the need for a comprehensive strategy to address the menace.
According to Edoro, individuals and communities found to be supportive of terrorist activities must be identified and prosecuted.
He emphasized the importance of seeking international assistance on counter-terrorism, citing the success of Israel in this regard.
Edoro also noted that intelligence gathering must be done with modern tools and alliances should be formed to combat terrorism.
The cleric disagreed with those criticizing the government’s spending on defense, stating that countering terrorism is not cheap.
He advocated for more spending on counter-terrorism efforts, including campaigns to dissuade youths from joining terrorist groups. Edoro also suggested that negotiation should be considered as an option to address the grievances of terror groups.
Specifically, he called for the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra, through a political settlement or invocation of the President’s prerogative of mercy.
Edoro commended the government’s efforts in combating terrorism and appreciated the sacrifices of security forces in the frontline.
He emphasized the need for a collective approach to prevent terrorism, which he described as a formidable challenge that requires strategy and diligence.
“The doctrine of Prerogative of Mercy stipulated in cases like this upon President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the nolli prosequi powers bestowed on the Attorney General of Nigeria should be invoked for his release,” he added.
