“I have met with top Boko Haram members”-Dasuki

The newly appointed National Security Adviser, Col. Sambo Dasuki (Rtd) today said in Jos, the Plateau State capital that he had met with some leaders of Boko Haram sect over possible dialogue with the group.

The new NSA, who spoke during a meeting with stakeholders in Jos, said that he would soon address the group on the need for it to cease fire and embrace dialogue as soon as possible.

His words, “I was in Yobe and Borno States last week and I have got the telephone numbers and contacts of key Boko Haram members and I will meet with them.

“I saw the dangerous effect of Boko Haram in these states and what I saw was pathetic.

” But I have the mandate to put heads together with religious and traditional leaders as well as the state governments to ensure an immediate ceasefire,”

Speaking on why he is Jos, Dasuki explained that he is in area for on-the-spot assessment of the security challenges and in furtherance of the Federal Government’s peace efforts, particularly across the northern part of the country.

He expressed confidence that the people of Plateau could put their problems behind them and forge ahead with genuine peace and reconciliation.

“I have a stake in Plateau because I have lived in Pankshin and Jos when my father resided here. So if we lived peacefully way back then, it is possible to go back to those good old days.

“Before now, it is difficult for me to believe that you can see a Fulani and Berom man together on the street of Plateau fighting.

“But the presence of various ethnic and religious groups at this parley is a pointer to the fact that we want to forge ahead.”