2027: Borno Youths Urge Peers to Shun Violence, Guard Peace

Some youths from Borno South have urged their peers across the state to promote peace and avoid any act that could threaten the calm Borno now enjoys.

 

They spoke in separate interviews with the New reporters in Biu on Tuesday, following an alleged "TinubuMustGo" protest by some youths in Maiduguri.

 

Those interviewed warned young people not to allow politicians to use them to undermine the peace in Maiduguri and other parts of the state.

 

Mr Daudu Hudu, a youth from Bayo Local Government Area, said any politically motivated protest would serve only the interests of its sponsors, not those of the youths.

 

He urged young people in the state to steer clear of issues that could threaten peace, deepen divisions among them, or worsen the security challenges still being addressed in parts of the state.

 

Hudu said youths with genuine grievances should express them at the polls by voting for candidates of their choice.

 

"We are brothers and sisters; we must be careful not to engage in activities that will yield no gain to youths.

 

"We are the leaders of tomorrow, if we destroy the state today, where are we going to exercise that leadership," he asked.

 

Malam Salisu Hassan, a resident of Biu, said protest could not do the work of the ballot.

 

In his view, the best form of protest is to vote for whoever one believes will deliver the dividends of democracy and meet one's aspirations.

 

"The peaceful co-existence being experienced in Borno State is not a gift but sacrifice of many stakeholders from the Federal Government, State government, security agencies, traditional and religious leaders amongst others.

 

"We must guard it jealously and not allow the politics of a few months to set us back in years.

 

"The leaders of today at all levels are doing their best and if you think their best is not enough, wait till the election and change them with your votes," he said.

 

Hannatu Bitrus, also a resident of Biu, said protests of any kind should be avoided because they could be hijacked for cheap political gain.

 

She noted that the state was still recovering from the effects of the insurgency, particularly on women, children and the elderly.

 

"I advise youths to embrace peace as the state and country approach elections and to reject any act by unpatriotic politicians to use politics to divide youths in the state," she said.

 

Hamisu Yusuf, a trader in Biu, also appealed to young people to promote peace, stressing that violence would never benefit the state.

 

He said development initiatives could only be carried out in a peaceful society, adding that no society in chaos could achieve meaningful development.

 

Others who spoke on condition of anonymity shared similar views and urged residents to support state and federal government efforts to secure peace and security in Borno and across the country.