#EndSARS: Boko Haram Started As Protesters – Governor Babagana Zulum

Governor Babagana Zulum, of Borno State, on Friday, advised the Nigerian youths who have been involved in the #EndSARS protests going on in the country and had warned them to be careful.

Governor Zulum while speaking in an interview warned the youths that the birth of Boko Haram – the insurgents are terrorizing Nigeria started as a protest by the youths who were against the use of helmets in Maiduguri, the capital of Borno.
Borno is among the most targeted North Eastern state and stronghold of the Boko Haram with series of recorded mayhem – killings, bombings and other bloody acts.

The interview with the State House correspondents came after the Governor’s meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari at the Presidential Villa.
The Governor warned the protesters to avoid what could turn into a catastrophe, highlighting that the birth of Boko Haram which started as a protest against helmet had displaced millions of people, costed lives as well properties lost.

According to Governor Zulum;

“On the issue of #EndSARS, I am calling on all Nigerians, especially the youths, to be very careful.
The whole Boko Haram saga began as a result of the protests by some youths in Maiduguri who were against the use of helmet by motorcyclists. You have seen the situation now and what it has resulted.”

He went on;

“Over one million people have been displaced, and the most affected are vulnerable youths.
Some of those that led the #EndSARS campaign have left Borno State, they are either staying in Abuja or Lagos or abroad. we have to be very careful and cautious.”

“Now, there is peace in Borno State, and we don’t want anybody to disrupt the peace.
The youths are with us; we are taking excellent care of them, palliatives are being distributed to them as and when due.”

“We are giving them some certain financial supports, and I think the best way every Nigerian should seek for his/her right is through legitimate means. Otherwise, we are not going anywhere. Peace is essential,” he added.

The Governor alleged that the protests did not take the dimension of Lagos State in his state because the youths were advised on the situation and recall the past when the problem was ugly.