Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Abubakar Ibn Garbai, has said that the Boko Haram insurgency is a great setback to western education in the state.
Garbai made this known when he received members of the senior course of the Nigerian Army School of Public Relations and Information in his palace in Maiduguri on Monday.
He said that even before the advent of the Boko Haram insurgency some people were hesitant in embracing western education as they concentrated in Qur’anic education.
Garbai added although various administration in the state had been able to convince the people on the advantages of western education, massive destruction of schools by the insurgents had resulted in great setback.
“The Boko Haram insurgents have further worsen our condition in terms of western education.
“Ordinary some of our people prefer to send their children to Islamic schools but as the people are beginning to accept western education, the massive destruction of schools by the insurgents have taken us back,” he said.
Garbai commended President Muhammadu Buhari for his effort in fighting the insurgents.
“We are lucky to have survived the insurgents onslaught in the state.
“The relocation of the military high command to Maiduguri by the Buhari and the subsequent appointment of Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai and other capable hands to head the security agencies brought hope to us,” he said.
Garbai lauded the military for its gallantry effort in chasing the Boko Haram insurgents.
“We have been collaborating with the military in fighting the insurgents by supplying vital information to them.
“At least 19 members of my council were killed for supplying information to security agents,” he said.
Garbai added: “this has not stopped us from supplying information to security agents even at the midnight.
” We will continue to help towards restoration of lasting peace in the state”.
Col John Agim, the Commander of the school, who led the delegation had told the monarch that the visit was aimed at seeking royal blessings.
“We want to commend you for the numerous support to the military in the anti terrorism operations in Borno and the North-East in general.
“We also want to assure you that the Nigerian Army is committed to restoring civil authority in all part of the country,” he said.
Agim said that the participants visited the palace as part of their course. “The choice of Borno is to allow us have first class information on the military operation in the North-East,” he said.
