Former Boko Haram members in Borno State have publicly sought forgiveness for past atrocities, appealing to communities to accept them for peace to reign.
Speaking at a one-day community dialogue on understanding, tolerance, and peaceful coexistence in Maiduguri on Tuesday, organised by the Allamin Foundation for Peace and Development, Fatima Musa, a deradicalized Boko Haram woman, revealed that they joined the group due to inexperience, youthful exuberance, and religious zeal. She claimed they were deceived by leaders who misused Islam, making them believe they served God.
Musa expressed remorse for their actions, calling on those still in the Sambisa forest to surrender.
She described Boko Haram as a terror organisation that fostered hatred, envy, and inhumanity.
The ex-Boko Haram, who recently surrendered to authorities and were fully deradicalized by the Allamin Foundation, gathered to express remorse and appeal for forgiveness from victims and the wider community.
Another deradicalized woman, Hajja Bintu Mustapha, lamented that communities are rejecting and discriminating against former Boko Haram members, driving some to rejoin the group.
She urged the government to support the Allamin Foundation’s deradicalisation programme and create jobs for repentant insurgents, citing joblessness as a factor driving some to rejoin the group.
Hauwa Mohammad also appealed for forgiveness, saying it would aid reintegration and peace-building efforts.
The Allamin Foundation has deradicalized over 200 women and girls formerly associated with Boko Haram, marking a significant breakthrough in the fight against terrorism.
The foundation’s Chief Executive Director, Hamsatu Allamin, revealed that 10 Boko Haram commanders are currently undergoing deradicalisation, while 10 deradicalized members are facilitating the surrender and deradicalisation of others.
She advised communities to stop rejecting ex-Boko Haram members and explained the importance of rehabilitation and reintegration in combating terrorism.
The Nigerian Army and governments have welcomed the defectors’ apology, emphasising the importance of rehabilitation and reintegration kinetics and non-kinetic approaches in combating terrorism.
As the state heals, the defectors’ plea for forgiveness offers hope for a more peaceful future, where former enemies can work towards reconciliation and reconstruction.
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